AESA UNILAG Chapter Hosts Freshers Orientation Programme

Fresh students of the Department of Arts Education, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos were, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, treated to a refreshing time at the Freshers Orientation Programme organised by the Arts Education Student Association (AESA), UNILAG Chapter.

The orientation programme with the theme “Roadmaps to a Memorable and Mind-Shaping Four-year Journey” was held at the Faculty of Education Glasshouse.

Welcoming freshers to the Department, the President of the Association, Mr. Opeyemi Adesokan, congratulated the freshers for joining the largest department in UNILAG and highlighted the significance of the orientation programme in guiding students through university life. He urged them to maximize their time and opportunities available at the university.

The staff adviser of the Association, Dr. ‘Kemi Adetuyi-Olu-Francis, cautioned the new students against courting distractions while at the University. She emphasized the need to stay focused as well as socialize. She commended the Department’s 2022 Best Graduating Student, Miss Are Imuseoluwa Precious for her dedication to English Education, stressing the Department’s mission to nurture proficient teachers. Using herself as a case study, having emerged the best student in her department and faculty with a CGPA of 4.37 as a married woman raising children, Dr. Olu-Francis emphasized the need for the students to make wise use of the time available to them now.

The highlight of the programme was the recognition of the class of 2022 Best Graduating Students of the Department at the UNILAG 2022 Convocation Ceremonies, Miss Are Imuseoluwa Precious and Mr. Ajala Oluwadamilare Kabiru who finished with a 4.53 CGPA from Education English and Education Yoruba respectively. The Head of the Department, Dr. Ayotunde Adebayo presented plaques and a cash award of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) to the graduates in acknowledgment of their outstanding achievement.

The event also boasted of brief comments from various staff advisers of some departmental associations, course advisers of previous sets; a panel discussion consisting of the Best Graduating Students from the class of 2022, Mr Ajala & Miss Are and class of 2021, Miss Anusionwu Chinasa Joy, who shared valuable insights to the fresh students; and keynote speeches from Mr. Adebayo Olatunde Bolaji (UNILAG Vice President, Debating Society and UNILAG 26th NUGA Ambassador) and Mr. Adeboye Adegboye (National Union of Nigerian Students (NANS) Special Duties, Southwest) who spoke on “Balancing Academic Life and Extra-Curricular Activities – the Strategies for Success” and “Academic and Leadership Skills: The Needed Tools for Employability” respectively.

Other exciting activities included a talent show, spoken word performances, giveaways and refreshments to mention a few.

All in all, the AESA Freshers Orientation Programme was a resounding success, setting a positive tone for the academic journey ahead and fostering a sense of belonging within the Arts Education community.