Ayomide Akinsanya
The state of the University amidst full resumption....
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
A: Good day, My name is Ayangbemi Taofeek Damilola, a 500 level Student of Department of Nursing Sciences, Lagos State University.
I am currently the Vice President, Lagos State University Students Union, Ikeja Campus
Q: What attracted you to politics sir?
A: Actually I never planned to involve myself in anything relating to politics while in school. It all started when we were in 200 level, being a member of the pioneer set of Department of Nursing Sciences, Lagos State University, We don't have an executive council and this really had a negative impact on us because we were being deprived of alot of things and since we don't have a union or association to speak for us, everyone tends to try to find a solution to their problems on their own. Often times, all we needed was to relay our requests to the school authorities but the question is "WHO WILL TAKE THE BOLD STEP".
After so many incidence, I looked at myself and I felt that I feel like organization is key, so I took it upon myself with the help of some of my other colleagues to ensure that the department form a well coordinated and organized departmental association. That's what precipitated the political interest.
Q: How do you manage being a politician with your nursing career?
A: Well, I will say it is not an easy task being a politician and a Nursing Student. By virtue of the structure of the Curriculum of Nursing Sciences, it actually leaves little or no space to participate in extra curricular activities. However, the most important thing is Time management. I find it very
difficult to perform some political function as a Nursing Student as the Lecture and clinical schedule of the Department is very overwhelming, however one advantage I have is the ability to multitask.
Personally I acknowledge the fact that as a student politician I don't have the luxury of time compared to my colleagues, I always try my best to maximize the little time I have and try to ensure that I spent every seconds wisely. I actually try my best to prioritize all my activities by the day, ensuring that I engage in the most important and urgent at every point in time.
We are all Human, so I guess everyday I still strive to ensure that I perform my political duties and also aspire to be one of the best Nursing Student in the college.
Q: What does the post of a VP entails and how often do you work with the President?
A: Lagos State University has three campuses, Ojo campus (Main campus), Ikeja Campus and Epe Campus. The Students' Union is structured politically in a way that there will be just a president (usually from the main campus), and a Vice President for each of the three campuses. So being the the Lasusu Vice President, Ikeja Campus, I am the number one student of Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja Campus.
As the Lasusu Vice President, I try to maintain a cordial relationship with the Lasusu President as he is the number one student of Lagos State University. I also try to ensure I engage in general Lasusu activity encompassing the three Campuses while at the same attending to the needs of my people in my college.
I must also say that being a Union Executive Member is a continuous duty, so I will say I work with the President as often as possible and when the need arises
Q: Has there been any challenges with your administration??
A: Well, for every position comes it's own peculiar challenges. However the major challenge this year was the Covid 19 infectious diseases which has brought so many changes to all the sector of the economy.
Q: One thing that motivates your work?
A: One major factor that motivates my work is the fact I was elected based on the fact that people trust and believe in me, so every time I try to ensure that I do my best in carrying out my responsibilities diligently and effectively.
Q: How has Covid-19 made your work easier or harder, as in it's impact on your work?
A: Sincerely, Covid 19 actually had a negative impact on the administration. We spent less than two months in office before the closure of tertiary institutions in the state.
But however, we have tried our best to adapt to these changes and try incorporate the various safety precautions while carrying out our duties.
Q: Any political aspirations beyond school?
A: None……..for now
Q: Advice for the upcoming VP LASUSU, Ikeja campus?
A: My advice for upcoming Lasusu Vice President is that He/She should try to familiarise himself with the system and understand critically how Lasusu Executives operate in Lasucom.
He/She should know the limit and extent of his duties and should learn how to work in collaboration with the Department Executives
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