End-of-Year Conversation With UADS Executive On Manifesto Deliverables: Special Duty Officer, Adeyinka-Omoleye Taiwo

The Special Duties Officer, Adeyinka-Omoleye Taiwo, shares his thoughts about his motivations, accomplishments, and challenges encountered during the execution of his official duties.

Motivation to run for the office of SDO

My motivation stemmed from various sources. My Dad encouraged me to take on leadership roles. My friends encouraged me, and I saw it as an opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities and contribute to the development of the Unibadan Association of Dental Students (UADS). 

Impact of campaign slogan, "The Bridge Forward", on the execution of duties

The role of the Special Duties Officer involves bridging the gap between the preclinical and the clinical arms of the association. My slogan embodies this idea and ensures that the preclinical students are not left out in events happening in the association, their inclusivity is the core of my duties.

In-person meetings to preclinical classes 

The UADS executive council conducted preclinical visits to the three preclinical classes. I also conducted in-person meetings with the 100l class, but there was a switch to make it online after my second meeting with them. I also got reports from majority leaders of the 200L and 300L classes about the class' welfare and if they wanted to relay anything to the executive council. 

Mock examinations for 100- level students

Mock examinations were held before the 2k27 first semester examination, and less than 50% of the class participated. In preparation for the second-semester examination. I will try to organize a mock examination and implore them to participate. 

Effect of virtual and physical orientation programs for the 2k27 class on their first semester results

The program was enlightening, as it provided insights and knowledge that positively impacted the students' performance. According to the results I saw and heard about, the 100-level students' results were outstanding.

Essay Writing and scholarship webinars

I organized the virtual session themed 'Exploring Undergraduate Opportunities' working together with the vice president of the UADS, Mr. Patrick Okelue. It was a two-day program that took place on the 16th and 17th of November, 2024.

We invited Clement Elam, a multiple scholarship award winner, for the scholarship webinar and award-winning essay writers like Ayotomiwa Elesho, winner of the NCDMB essay competition 2022, Samson Eze, the past and current Director General of the University of Nigeria Essayists' Group (UNEG) for the essay writing training webinar. A total of 117 people registered for the webinar, including lots of preclinical students. Non-UADS members were also in attendance.

Challenges encountered during discharge of duties 

While there were minor issues like people arriving late to orientations, this did not significantly hinder the discharge of my duties.

Advice to prospective successors

To my prospective successors, ask questions from predecessors when faced with challenges, as questions will serve you well. Also, the position of the Special Duties Officer does not have any designated committee. To succeed, foster a good relationship with your coursemates, immediate juniors and seniors, and majority leaders of each preclinical class.

Abiona Michelle