UADS Decides 2025: Interview With Adeyinka-Omoleye Taiwo, Aspirant For The Office Of The Assistant General Secretary
Good evening. My name is Taiwo Oreofeoluwa Adeyinka-Omoleye, a 300-level student of Dental Surgery at the University of Ibadan. I am vying for the position of Assistant General Secretary of the Unibadan Association of Dental Students (UADS) for the 2024/2025 tenure. Over the last two years, I have served actively in UADS, most recently as the Special Duties Officer in the 2023/2024 executive council. In that role, I worked closely with other executives and committees to coordinate welfare, events, and engagement initiatives within the association.
What motivated you to run for this particular position?
As the Special Duties Officer in the outgoing executive council, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial administration and clear communication contribute to the smooth running of our association. I have also come to appreciate how structure helps build community. That experience stirred something in me, a desire to serve even more effectively, this time through a role that ensures proper documentation, accessibility, and sustained student engagement.
As the outgoing Special Duties Officer of the preclinical arm, what were the challenges you encountered, and how did you address them?
Serving as the Special Duties Officer for the preclinical arm came with its fair share of challenges such as ensuring active engagement and participation among preclinical students, especially during academically demanding periods. Coordinating welfare initiatives and events often meant navigating tight schedules, limited resources, and at times, low turnout or interest. To address this, I prioritized clear communication, early planning, and collaboration. I worked closely with class representatives to identify needs early, delegate tasks efficiently, and adjust plans to align with students’ availability. I also gathered feedback from fellow preclinical students and relayed it to the executive council so we could improve future activities.
A good example was the second Freshers’ Welcome event during this tenure. Learning from the timing and planning challenges of the first one, I worked with the Assistant General Secretary, Ukaegbu Chinenye, to set up an ad-hoc planning committee composed of about five 200- and 300-level students. This helped to diversify input and share responsibility. The early preparation contributed to a much better experience for everyone involved.
How have these experiences shaped your leadership capacity, and how do you think they have prepared you for the office you are currently running for?
These experiences have taught me to lead with intention. I have learned how to listen, plan, delegate, and still be hands-on. The AGS role demands someone who can both support and initiate, someone who understands teamwork, documentation, and communication.
You have served in various positions within and outside the faculty. What skills have you developed through these roles and how do they equip you for this new responsibility?
Serving in different roles within UADS and outside, has helped me build the skills I believe the AGS needs. As SDO, I coordinated welfare and engagement projects. Through my work on publicity teams, I learned how to manage communication and stay organized.
Every leader brings something unique to the table. What plan in your manifesto distinguishes you from your predecessors in the role of Assistant General Secretary?
One unique initiative in my manifesto is the introduction of Preclinical Day, a proposed student-centered academic event that will feature a quiz competition among preclinical classes. It is a fresh idea that combines learning with engagement, in collaboration with the Mavericks Quiz Club. The goal is to promote participation.
What legacy would you like to leave behind by the end of your tenure, if elected?
I want to be remembered as someone who made leadership feel approachable and communication feel easy. But beyond that, I want to leave behind systems that are clear and inclusive.
Abiona Michelle
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