UADS 2024/25 Senate: 500 level constituency dominates leadership

The Unibadan Association of Dental Students (UADS) recently ended a pivotal chapter in its constitution with the final Senate meeting of the 2023/24 tenure. This meeting was not only significant for its proceedings but also for the remarkable achievements of the 500 level constituency, which secured three principal offices in the newly inducted Senate.This constituency made history by winning the office of the Senate Registrar, Deputy Senate President, and Senate President. Their remarkable feat underscores the dedication and leadership qualities of the students in this constituency, setting a new benchmark for future cohorts.

The last Senate meeting of the 2023/24 session began around 4:30 PM on Monday, July 1st. The session commenced with a motion by the immediate past Senate president, Senator David ADETULA, aiming to annul the constitutional requirement for forming a quorum before starting a meeting. This motion, reflective of the evolving dynamics within the Senate, paved the way for the proceedings to begin without much delay.

A critical agenda at the meeting was the attendance requirements for senators. The Senate deliberated on whether to pardon or sanction senators who did not meet the attendance requirements. The President of the association was called upon to comment on this issue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining standards and warning that leniency could set a bad precedent.

In his final address to the Senate, the outgoing President, Mr Fiyin Atinmo, urged the newly elected executive council members and senators to uphold the legacy of their predecessors, citing the exemplary leadership of figures like Dr. Adejumo, Dr. Efunkunle and others like them. His speech was a call to action, encouraging the new leaders to strive for excellence and wishing them a successful tenure.

The meeting also witnessed the swearing-in of the new executive council members. Elections for principal Senate offices were held, resulting in significant leadership changes: Senator Charles Fadipe of the 400 level constituency was elected as the Senate Chief Whip. Senator Eyitanwa Timothy of the 500 level constituency was elected as the Senate Registrar. Senator Eunice Okoro of the 500 level was elected as the Deputy Senate President. After presenting their respective manifestos, a vote was conducted between Senator Oladejo Faridah of 600 level constituency and Senator Adebayo Akindele of the 500 level constituency. Senator Akindele emerged victorious, becoming the new Senate President.

Senator David Adetula, the immediate past Senate President, advised the senators to collaborate closely with the new executive council. He further stressed the importance of synergy in achieving the association's goals and fostering a better UADS.

Razaq Adebayo ALONGE