By: Ogunleye Kolapo Olayemi
As part of its ongoing electoral coverage, POSSPRESS interviewed Ademola Ifeoluwa Florence, who is vying for the position of Vice President of the National Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS), University of Ibadan. The interview, conducted by Ogunleye Kolapo, focused on her motivation, academic plans, leadership approach, and vision for the office. The full conversation is presented below exactly as it occurred.
POSSPRESS: Good morning, thank you for joining this chat session. My name is Ogunleye Kolapo, and this interview is part of POSSPRESS’ effort to help students better understand the plans and vision of each aspirant ahead of the Press Night.Can you briefly introduce yourself?Aspirant
(Ifeoluwa): My name is Ademola Ifeoluwa Florence, vying for the position of vice president of NAPSS UI.
POSSPRESS: What motivated you to contest for the position of Vice President of the department?
Ifeoluwa: I’m passionate about service and growth of the department, the mentorship program, and academic excellence of NAPSSites.
POSSPRESS: In your own words, how would you describe the core responsibilities of the Vice President, and why do you think you are fit for the role?
Ifeoluwa: According to the constitution, it says that the VP dwells in overseeing academic affairs and to give support to the President. For me, I believe that leadership is not just a title, but service, and service that carry everyone along.I am fit for the role, because the role of the vice president requires patience, consistency, and someone that can organise and at the same time delivers, and I think I have this qualities, considering the leadership roles that I have took in the past, and the brand that I run which has to do with being experienced, consistency and hard work.
POSSPRESS: In a follow up to this, the VP traditionally handles academic-related matters and particularly the mentorship program. If elected, what academic initiatives or improvements do you plan to introduce? And how do you plan to make the mentorship program effective again?
Ifeoluwa: If elected, I plan to establish an academic committee that will include the participation of the students, so as to know the area they are having difficulty in their studies, and organise tutorials in those areas. In the area of the mentorship program, considering its failure in this current administration, which I observe it was due to lack of adequate implementation and delay, so to avoid making the same mistake, it will commence immediately after resumption, and students will be told to fill certain Google forms to admit participation and also the rules and regulations will be sent alongside. To further improve the mentorship program, once the forms are filled, a group will be created in which both mentors and mentees will be involved, so as to explain to them the roles of the mentor, and also explain the obligations of the mentees, and this group will also serve as feedback group, to receive complaints or any suggestions on how we can improve the mentorship program.
POSSPRESS: How do you intend to work with the President (if elected) to ensure smooth administration and avoid conflict or overlap in duties?
Ifeoluwa: My approach will be based on respect, communication and collaboration. My duty as the vice president is to assist, support and complement the president, not to compete with the president. By clarifying responsibilities, constant communication, and performing delegated responsibilities effectively, we will avoid conflicts.
POSSPRESS: How will you ensure inclusivity across all levels, from 100 level to 400 level in academic and non-academic activities?
Ifeoluwa: In academic, the mentorship program will serve as bringing every students together, making sure everyone feel seen, and included. Through mentorship program which will include mentees in 100 and 200 levels, and mentors in 300 and 400 levels, to show everyone is being recognised. And in non-academic, ensuring students from 100 level to 400 levels are part of committee for events and social activities in the department.
POSSPRESS: What is one major initiative you hope to execute as VP that you believe will leave a lasting impact?
Ifeoluwa: Aside strengthening the mentorship and academic support system. I also want to promote wellness of the students and health awareness, by consistently posting motivational quotes and informative posts on health matters, with collaboration with the Public relations officer.
POSSPRESS: How do you plan to work with the department’s administrators, HOD, and staff advisers to ensure academic improvements?
Ifeoluwa: I will collaborate with the HOD, the staff advisors, through regular consultation, feedback from students, joint planning of tutorials, consistent monitoring to ensure to continue improving academic.
POSSPRESS: If elected, how do you intend to handle criticism from the press or from students if things don’t go as planned?
Ifeoluwa: Firstly, criticism is natural, as not everyone will agree to the idea of rule by a leader. So if there is any criticism about a particular style of rule, it will be carefully examined and amendments will be made.That is why there will be feedback, so as to know if the students are gaining from the system or not.
POSSPRESS: Finally, If you could summarize your vision as Vice President in one line, what would it be?
Ifeoluwa: My vision is to build an inclusive, student driven and a well structured academic committee, strengthened mentorship program, where academic thrives and mental wellness of the students is prioritised.
POSSPRESS: Thank you for your time and responses. We wish you the very best.
