Bridging Veterinary Medicine, Politics, and Medical Research–Meet Mascot

   

                                  Adewole Adeyinka (Mascot)

From the bustling classrooms of our esteemed Faculty of Veterinary Medicine emerges a remarkable figure—a student who has not only walked away shoulders high with a DVM degree but has also carved a niche in the realm of politics and scientific research. 

Adewole Adeyinka, popularly known as Mascot, freshly graduated and poised at the intersection of multiple passions, embodies the spirit of versatility and dedication.

Faced with the rigors of Veterinary Medicine and his political endeavors, Mascot managed to seamlessly integrate these seemingly disparate spheres into a cohesive whole.

The AVMS Editorial Board had the privilege of intervewing Mascot for more insights into his success as a student, a versatile one at that. In this exclusive interview, Mascot shares his journey, challenges, and the pivotal moments that shaped his academic, political, and research endeavors. 

Join us as we uncover the ethos of a trailblazer who continues to leave an indelible mark on our community and beyond!

EDITORIAL BOARD: Balancing academics and active participation in politics can be demanding. How did you manage to excel in both areas?

MASCOT: These are the cogent points:

• Time Management: Prioritize tasks, create schedules, and set realistic goals. One thing I knew how to do best during my active involvement in students unionism was time management. I had my plans for class, and I had my plans for meetings, I was aware that my classes ran from 8am till 5pm. Other members of the executive body used to stand in the gap for me in less important meetings. I tried to attend the official meetings with the management where my presence is compulsory. This is because I prioritized my education over extracurricular activities, though other things were affected, like my zeal for research.

• Organization: Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and political engagements using calendars or planners. I have a dairy that I use to plan my weeks ahead, and if there are impromptu meetings with sponsors, I excuse myself from classes in order to attend.

• Focus: Concentrate on one task at a time to maintain quality and productivity. I shared responsibilities and tasks with my colleagues too.

• Communication: Sometimes, I would put calls through to my class rep, sister Lara, and SS to know the class activities. These are the people that looked out for me and kept me updated in this medical course. They informed me about new slides being dropped, about classes, and even tutorials. I rarely had time to attend tutorials, but they do make past questions available and collated tutorial notes for me at the end of everything.

•  Passion: Pursue political interests that align with academic goals, fostering a sense of purpose. This kept me going despite a lot of condemnation from people and staff.

• Support network: “omo mehn,” My friends, right from Puzzylee, Hessy, David and SS, Sis Lara, Omowumi, Iwuchukwu Deborah, Slife are all my gees, they supported me financially and morally.  I was able to achieve this because I had no ego and I wasn’t an arrogant person among my classmates despite earning a degree before Vet School. That is why I was able to get help from everyone. My classmates are always proud of me because I roll with all cliques.

• Self-care: I cared for myself (and still do) by making time for relaxation, exercise, and looking after my mental well-being.

EDITORIAL BOARD: What motivated you to get involved in politics while pursuing your studies?

MASCOT: My motivation is service to humanity. I feel like if I can do little without holding any position, how much more if I have the opportunity to serve in a position that will bring more affluence and influence, therefore I can create a difference in the society which I have been doing.

EDITORIAL BOARD: Were there any specific challenges you faced in managing your time between academics and political commitments? How did you overcome them?

MASCOT: Yes, there were a lot especially during DVM part II examinations when a lecturer said I would fail because he rarely sees me in class.

There was also a day I needed to attend SDC meeting, and I was having a test on that same day. 

I went for the SDC meeting to solicit for some students and when the time for the test was getting closer, my friends called me and I went to write the test, I also left immediately after the test because I needed to be there again to help those students.

I also remember when I needed to travel to Texas again for a training and it was during my examination, I felt like a better opportunity will come and I sat for my exams in 500 level. But the best of Allah has been there for me, and some lecturers have also been there for me. May God bless those lecturers, I can't thank them enough.

Also, I don't run after women who can actually affect me or give me issues. So, I sacrificed that for my education and the position that I am holding.

EDITORIAL BOARD: Did you face any criticism or skepticism from peers or other people regarding your involvement in politics? How did you handle it?

MASCOT: Yes, but the one that shocked me most is from lecturers. But I prayed to God to assist me in preventing any situation that will make me repeat a class.

Today, I will just look at them and laugh because they initially wanted me to fail and come to beg them for assistance.

EDITORIAL BOARD: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in terms of balancing your academic and political commitments?

MASCOT: No. I did my best, and there is nothing I would have done differently.

I spent close to 19 months as president, so there was nothing else to do than to just manage my time so well to create more time for my interests. It affected me but, Alhamdullilah, I am bouncing back stronger.

EDITORIAL BOARD: What advice would you give to other students who are interested in participating in politics without sacrificing their academics?

MASCOT: They should remember that it is service to humanity, and it is all about selflessness. They should be closer to their classmates and drop the ego that might come with the positions they're holding.

They should be respectful and they should be sensible in dealing with issues in and outside the Faculty because hyenas are everywhere. They should have daily plans and be prayerful. 

They should consult more people and manage their time so well so that they won't regret it.