2K25 MBBS/BDS CLASS OF COMUI COMPLETES FIRST YEAR THREE YEARS POST JAMB

On Monday, the first-year students of Dentistry at the University of Ibadan sat for the last paper of their 2nd semester examination. The exam, which commenced on the 15th of May, 2023, stretched over nearly four weeks. This prolonged duration was due to multiple postponements caused by public holidays. However, on Monday, 19th of June, 2023, the students finally breathed a sigh of relief as they completed their last exam, marking the end of this crucial phase in their medical school journey.

The joy of these students is well deserved after enduring nearly three years of being confined to their homes since their Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations. They were victims of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, which started a few days before the conclusion of the JAMB examinations. Ideally, those who excelled in the JAMB examinations would have been summoned for the Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) at the University of Ibadan a few months later. However, the prolonged COVID-19 lockdown, coupled with the #EndSARS protests, caused significant delay for these aspiring students.

Consequently, the Post-UTME was scheduled for April 2021, with hopes of resuming school three or four months later. Unfortunately, internal conflicts within the University of Ibadan arose which dashed those hopes and a resumption date was set for January 2022. However, their academic progress was once again disrupted, when the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarked on a two-week warning strike on the day of their matriculation ceremony. Unfortunately, the warning strike was extended indefinitely, forcing the students to abruptly vacate their halls of residence a mere two weeks after resuming their studies. After dragging on for an additional eight months, the strike finally came to an end in October 2022. This prolonged disruption of academic activities was not without consequence as it significantly shortened the academic calendar.

Curious to learn about their first-year experiences, Dentatics Press conducted interviews with some members of the BDS 2K25 class.

How did the unexpectedly prolonged first year, which lasted nearly three years instead of the intended eight months, impact your social well-being and mental state? What strategies did you employ to cope with the extended breaks and navigate through the challenges?

“Initially, the strike had a significant negative impact on me. However, as time passed, I realized that I couldn’t continue repeating the same actions and expect different outcomes. So, I decided to take proactive steps to improve my situation and increase my productivity. I made it a priority to achieve results every day, even if they were small. Additionally, I became involved in a Covid-19 task force, I enrolled in numerous online courses, and devoted time to reading materials unrelated to my academic studies. Essentially, I ensured that I remained engaged in meaningful activities, avoiding stagnation and negativity. All these measures were taken to maintain my mental well-being”

- Akinrinola Akinfolabi Akindolapo

Reflecting on your academic journey, was there a noticeable difference in the level of difficulty between the first and second semesters? If so, what factors or aspects made one semester more challenging than the other?

“Yes, there was a big difference, and I personally found the first semester to be more challenging than the second semester. I felt like the newness of being in UI and the pressure associated with the term ‘First and Best’ made me feel anxious. As a result, I often approached tests and exams with nervousness. However, by the second semester, I felt more at ease and confident in navigating the academic environment. I had gained valuable experience and understood how things worked, which contributed to my improved mind set. To clarify, it’s not that the courses in the first semester were inherently more difficult than those in the second semester. The main factor that made the first semester seem more difficult for me was my initial lack of experience” 

- Adesina Ezekiel Adedolapo

What are some of the most memorable moments you experienced during your first year and what specific events hold a significant place in your memory?

“Well, I think it was when I decided to leave UI and travel to Lagos for the Nigerian Association of Dental Students (NADS) Convention. It was an enjoyable experience, almost like taking a break from school. Being in a new environment allowed me to meet new people and witness how things were done outside of UI. I had the opportunity to interact with dental students from other schools and gain insight into dentistry from different perspectives. It was a refreshing and eye-opening experience overall. Additionally, participating in the photoshoot for the UADS Health Week was a top highlight of my 100L journey.”

- Ukaegbu Judith

If you could go back to your 100L, what is the one mistake you made that you believe had the biggest impact on your academic journey? What valuable lesson did you learn from this mistake that you would like to pass on to your juniors to help them navigate their first year more successfully?

“During the initial stages of my first year, I found myself trapped by an overwhelming sense of fear that persisted throughout the entire first semester. Looking back, I’ll say this unnecessary fear of an unknown origin had a great impact on my academic journey, as this tension hindered me from gathering myself, particularly during tests and exams, causing me to stumble. To my juniors, I would like to advise you not to harbor any fear. Instead, view the courses you will undertake as easy tasks since they cover familiar topics. I assure you that UI is not as challenging as it may seem. All you need to do is put forth your best effort, and success will certainly follow”

- Ogunjobi Taiwo Emmanuel

So far, the 2K25 class is one that has been riddled with multiple delays right from their JAMB examination in 2020. Having concluded their first year and embarking on their preclinical journey with lessons learned and experiences gained, the Dentatics Press wishes them continued success and a hitch free academic calendar in the coming session.

Jesse Bina