AVMSUI Decides: IVMSEC 2023 Pulls Elections Off Despite Widespread Political Apathy

The Association of Veterinary Medical Students University of Ibadan, on Friday, April 28th, 2022, conducted her elections for the 2023/2024 session, as is customary during the second semester. The standing committee for elections, Independent Veterinary Medical Students Electoral Commission (IVMSEC), was inaugurated in late March and they planned and coordinated events for the electioneering calendar.

Returning from service in the committee's last session was chairperson Christianah Omishakin, whose experience in such a capacity was crucial to the committee's success this session. The events schedule underwent revision several times, mostly due to external factors such as turn-up and the Public Lecture. Despite all these, the IVMSEC's ability to accommodate the several adjustments was commendable, even though it was found wanting in its class representation. 205 voters showed up for the election, which ran from 10 am to 3 pm.

The entire election spelt apathy from veterinary students, a phenomenon that has persisted for the past two years, especially regarding politics. It may be true that the semester is rocking with events, and the average vet student's already-busy schedule has gotten busier; however, these could not explain the low turnout of aspiring candidates, and the equally low turnout of voters.

Like always, vet students were the first to observe this, themselves. Several voters expressed 'shock' at the uncompetitive nature of the election, especially in the executive arm, where only 6 positions were contested for, out of a possible 9. Unfortunately, while many are specialists at diagnosis–probably due to our intense training–we are uncharacteristically poor in devising and proffering solutions to our problems.

Without being a voice of negative criticism, the press has taken it upon itself to call out this occurrence and plead for better participation in the coming session. We hope that henceforth we will all be politically active and well-represented in elections, and in all AVMS events. While we clamour for better representation, we should ensure that we are the change we desire, and change, as we know it, starts from the smallest of units - like our attitude.

The IVMSEC published the election results on Friday, April 28th, 2023, by 6 pm, three hours after they concluded the process. Zaccheus Olayiwola will lead the coming administration as President, as he went unopposed and satisfied the required 66% majority vote. His primary aide will be Fatihah Abdussalam in the Vice-President role, as she equally satisfied the majority requirement clause.

Favour Ajibade emerged as General-Secretary-elect and Ibukunoluwa Oladiran as Financial Secretary. Eniola Akinola and Ridwan Osungbade will be completing the incoming cabinet as Social Secretary and Sports Secretary, respectively.

Other members of the IVMSEC for the session included: Fareedah Animashaun from the outgoing 600-level class, Inioluwa Akintomide and Tobiloba Taiwo from 500-level class, Mahmudah Akande and Samuel Apooyin from 400-level class, Fela Ajumobi and Abdulbassit Taiwo, who represented 300-level and 200-level classes respectively, and Segun Itakorode, who joined the committee as a press representative.

Written by Segun Itakorede