UCJUI INDUCTS OVER 100 CAMPUS JOURNALISTS AT 34TH INDUCTION CEREMONY

 

On Saturday, April 1, 2023, the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan held her 34th induction ceremony that saw over 100 campus journalists get inducted. The event took place at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan. 

Some of the dignitaries present were Dr Babatunde Ojebuyi representing the Vice-Chancellor and the Dean of Students, Dr. Kemi Obayelu representing Professor Stella Odebode, Mr. Mojeed Alabi representing the Grand Patron of the Union, Dapo Olorunyomi, Mrs Seyi Awojulugbe, the keynote speaker, Mr Nurudeen Bakare, and Mrs Olubunmi Faluyi represented by Mr Olawuyi.

The event started at 11:00 am. The press prayer was taken by the Public Relations Officer of the union, Adedoja Adewale. The welcome address was taken by Adebayo Abdulrahman who emphasized the importance of students partaking in activities in the school adding that joining the UCJUI is one of the finest decisions any student can make. He backed up his point by mentioning some important personalities who joined the organization at school but are now scholars in the outside world.

The Induction Speech was taken by Mrs Seyi Awojulugbe, a fact-checking journalist who works with Africa Check. She spoke on the topic “LEADING CHANGE”.  She stated a slogan which she said she got from a presidential aspirant while she was still in school “What starts here changes the world”. She implored the inductees to take note of small steps because change starts with a small step. She mentioned that University of Ibadan students are always distinct from others because of their comportment/character, manners, and their way of speaking. She also admonished the inductees to work so much that when money comes chasing them, they will be scared of what to take. She ended her speech by urging the inductees to take one step at a time and be the change they want to see.

The Vice Chancellor represented by Dr Babatunde Ojebuyi commended the UCJUI for their support and peace-keeping function within the University. The VC also recognized the UCJ as a stakeholder in UI whose reports have helped build the image of the school. He implored the Union to continue in that line. The Dean of Students represented by Dr Babatunde Ojebuyi thanked the organization for supporting him by constructively bringing to his notice issues that needed his attention. 

The panel session was moderated by John-Dare Okafor, Editor-in-Chief of Indy Press. The members of the panel session were Dr Babatunde Rapheal Ojebuyi, Mrs Seyi Awojulugbe and Adewole Adeyinka, the Student Union President. The topic discussed was “Student Leadership and Discipline”.

Eriomola John, a campus journalist under Indy Press was also awarded the best inductee of the 34th Induction exercise. Other awards given were the Best Dressed Male and Female Inductees awards won by A’ishat Akano from Queens Hall Press and Ajabi Sodiq  from Indy Press. The winners of the Fisayo Soyombo Essay Contest were awarded monetary prizes. The winners include Emmanuel Oladayo Ogunsola, the second runner-up; John Oghenemarho; the first runner up and the winner, Timileyin Precious Akinmoyeje.

The swearing of the oath of the inductees was led by the PRO I of the organization and the vote of thanks was taken by the Vice President (administration) of the union.