By: Aduwo Ayodele 

The University of Ibadan Health Service (UHS), in conjunction with the Oyo State Ministry of Health, on Wednesday, 31 January, 2024 organised a workshop for commercial food vendors within the campus. 

The one-day workshop held at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Auditorium was declared open by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Aderonke M. Baiyeroju, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale.

Professor Baiyeroju who emphasized the value of good health and staff wellbeing, noted that the aim of the  workshop was to begin an institutional journey to increase the health levels of all members of the University community by supporting one another to better recognize and intentionally shun bad practices and imbibe best practices. 

The Director of Health Service, University of Ibadan, Dr. Aderonke Ajayi noted the expected outcome of this training was that food vendors would be in a better position to cater for and satisfy different categories of food needs, including those of the minority groups. She also said the programme would make UI the hub for training of  food vendors and empower the society at large to correctly and adequately address current and emerging issues in food safety and hygiene. 

Participants at the workshop included commercial food vendors or handlers on campus, health commissioners of the various halls of residence, faculty presidents of students associations, Hall Wardens, Wellness Officers, representatives of religious bodies and staff unions, members of the Abadina Community, organic farmers, and the team from the Schools Health Unit, Ministry of Health, Oyo State.

In the course of the training, health checks were conducted for participants, and there were ample opportunities for questions and answers. Participants also agreed to implement all recommendations and sanctions for non-compliance. Also, certificates were presented to all the registered participants.