By: Ajadi Sodiq

Asido Campus Network, University of Ibadan, a student-led mental health promoting club, on Saturday, September 30th, 2023 held her themed event “Matters that Matter.” 

The event which was held at Trenchard Hall, UI attracted the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. Raji, the Dean of Students, Dr. Demola Lewis, the Deputy Dean of Students, Dr. Olayinka Egbokhare, Mr. Muhammed Ahmed (known as Mentor Mo), Dr. Adekunle Titus, and members of the UI Student Union (UI SU) executives, including the President, Vice President, and many others.

Dr. Demola Lewis delivered the chairman’s address during the event, focusing on the issue of mental health among youths.

Subsequently, the oratory contest finals commenced, featuring halls that advanced after the initial round held at the Plenary Session in the Social Science LLT.

The inter-hall oratory contest included representatives from Alexandra Brown Hall, where Precious Idiaye, a 500-level Medicine and Surgery student at UI, emerged as the winner with an impressive score of 78 points.

The first runner-up, from Obafemi Awolowo Hall, followed closely with 70.7 points, while the second runner-up was the representative of Kenneth Mellanby Hall, with a score of 70 points.

Additionally, Independence Hall’s representative, Ogunleye Moboluwarin, secured the fourth position in the contest, and Sultan Bello Hall rounded up the top five.

Beyond the oratory contest, the event featured a stage play centered on the theme of mental health awareness and a panel session discussing mental health issues among youths.

The panelists included Dr. Demola Lewis, Dr. Adekunle Titus, Dr. Raji (Dean of Students), Dr. Muhammed Ahmed (Mentor Mo), Dr. Olayinka Egbokhare, and Miss Tawalit, the President of Asido Campus Network, UI.

In an interview with the Indy Press correspondent, Precious Idaiye, the winner of the Oratory Contest, expressed his excitement about addressing mental health issues at the program.

“As a medical student, I have been an advocate for mental health awareness. I believe many people are unaware of how to provide support for individuals with certain mental health conditions, which can lead to a rise in youth suicides.

“I conducted thorough research to present a compelling argument to the audience, and I am truly delighted with the outcome,” he said.