AVMSUI Senate Holds First Sitting, In-House Elections

By: Oladunjoye Peace 

Yesterday, 18th of March, 2026, the Senate held her first Sitting of the academic session. The event which held at the 500l class convened with an opening prayer, followed by the review of minutes led by the acting Senate Clerk, Senator Sekinat. Proceedings quickly moved into the much-anticipated in-house elections, where senators were nominated and voted among themselves for key leadership positions.

At the end of the exercise, Senator Evidence of DVM I emerged as the new Senate Clerk, standing out as the only representative from the DVM I constituency. Senator Sekinat (DVM II) was elected as the Information Minister, while Senator Tade (DVM II) assumed the role of Chief Whip. Senator Jimoh of DVM IV was elected Deputy Senate President. 

In committee leadership, Akinola Eniola was appointed Public Lecture Chairperson. Oyelade Oluwanifemi was announced as Chairman of the AVMS Dog Show Committee, revealing preliminary plans to include dog vaccination in this year’s event. Senator Jide proposed the cancellation of the event citing financial management, however, Senator Bolaji raised the point of the program being one empowered by the constitution. He instead urged for balance in the activities of the annual dog show.

The academic committee chairman, Tolase Abdulquoyum, proposed initiatives aimed at supporting 200- and 300-level students in adapting to a new academic system.

However, there is a bit of skepticism, given the history of unfulfilled promises by previous administrations. 

Discussions also extended to the Welfare Committee, where Senator Bolaji requested clarity on its roles and compensation structure. In response, newly inaugurated Chairperson Dennis Dunamis explained the committee’s responsibilities and emphasized the importance of pre-agreed duties among members.

A report from the erstwhile Sports Secretary, Daniel Bolarinwa, highlighted past activities. success, and challenges such as poor information dissemination and limited volunteer availability due to academic commitments.

The session grew tense as allegations of extravagant spending and misappropriation of funds, covering transportation, dinner sponsorship, and snacks totaling ₦28,050, were raised. After extensive deliberation, the Senate resolved that the former Sports Secretary refund ₦13,250. Senator Bolaji remarked, “You did the right thing through the wrong method,” questioning both the necessity of the expenses and the lack of prior Senate approval.

Budget discussions followed, with the Sports Secretary’s proposed ₦35,200 budget being reduced to ₦15,200 with the removal of the purchase of a new ball as the Senators argued that the present ball can still be used for future matches. Similarly, the Health and Welfare Minister presented a budget that drew questions from Senator Minini and Senator Tade, particularly about the purchase of buckets and robb. He proposed biweekly workout sessions in collaboration with the Sports Committee. However it is duly noted that he seems to have left out the preclinicals students in his budget plans but he promises to help them out regarding the issue of toilets.

Finally the President presented his budget of over one million naira with plans for an elaborate freshers welcome and labcoat ceremony. Nonetheless, the budget was reduced to a sum of ₦933, 900 with the removal of the budget surrounding the NAVMS convention and the upgrading of the website. Regarding the website, the Senate addressed the President’s proposal to develop the AVMS website, urging him to personally sponsor it as proof of its value before institutional backing. They also said that since the NAVMS convention isn't taking place soon, he should be sure if the expenses before getting back to the them with the budget.

Meanwhile, the President raised concerns due to the absence of detailed breakdown about the Senate’s own budget of ₦150,000. 

The session concluded with the presentation of proposed AVMS merchandise, which received positive anticipation, and a proposal from the Vice President to sponsor a webinar focused on teaching students how to craft effective curriculum vitae.