A debate came up at the first senate sitting of the Association of Veterinary Medical Students (AVMS), University of Ibadan, which happened on 18th March, 2026. The lawmakers clashed over the future of the association’s annual dog show.
Leading the argument, Senator Jide proposed that the long-standing event be cancelled entirely, citing financial concerns and poor returns on investment.
According to him, the dog show is no longer economically viable, especially in light of the association’s current financial realities. He argued that the funds allocated to the event would be better utilized in more sustainable ventures.
“It is not financially wise,” he stated, recommending that resources be redirected towards investment in farms, which he believes would generate long-term benefits for the association and its members.
His proposal reflects a growing concern among some senators about financial prudence and prioritization of projects with measurable returns.
However, the motion was met with strong resistance from Senator Bolaji, who firmly opposed the idea of cancelling the event.
Senator Bolaji emphasized that the dog show is not just a social gathering but a constitutionally recognized activity within AVMS, making it difficult to abolish without due process.
“The dog show is in the constitution and cannot just be easily removed,” he argued.
He further defended the relevance of the event, describing it as an educational platform for veterinary students and a unique experience within the University of Ibadan
He said that it was a occasion filled witg learning and recreation, rather than “just an ordinary party”.
According to him, the dog show remains one of the few events that combines academic exposure with social engagement, setting it apart from other student activities. He pointed out that the money spent didn't even come from the association.
While opposing its cancellation, Senator Bolaji acknowledged existing flaws in the execution of the event. He pointed out that the core components of the dog show, the dog display and the raffle draw have become imbalanced.
He noted that in the most recent edition, the event appeared to be overly centered on raffle draws and that dog display segment, which is the educational highlight, received less attention.
He therefore called for a restructuring of the event, ensuring that both aspects are given equal importance in future editions.
The debate was further intensified by financial disclosures presented during the session. It was revealed that approximately ₦1.6 million was spent on the last dog show, most of which was gotten from Alumnis. The returns gotten from the dog show wasn't stated by it is believed to be insubstantial to the amount spent.
This significant discrepancy between the expenditure and income fueled concerns about the sustainability of the event and strengthened arguments from those advocating for reform or cancellation.
As deliberations continue, the fate of the AVMS dog show remains uncertain. Whether the senate chooses to abolish, reform, or retain the event, the outcome will likely shape how the association approaches financial management and student engagement going forward.
For now, the question remains: should tradition give way to financial logic, or can both be balanced for the benefit of the student body?
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