The College on Monday declared the Tuesday, 10th September and Thursday, 12th September as lecture-free days. This was conveyed in an internal memorandum signed by the Provost of the College of Medicine (sometimes called Michigan). This gesture is to ensure students participate in the i-Research programme which started on Tuesday.
The Early Researchers’ Day kicked off with an initial low turnout of students which might have necessitated a couple motivating threats as the hall gradually filled up.
In attendance was the Provost of the College of Medicine, duly represented by the Deputy Provost, Professor Denloye alongside Professor Ogunniyi, the director of CRIM as the chairman of the day.
The event featured speeches from Dr. Daniel Afolabi, the founder of SAC and researcher with interest in tech, innovation and artificial intelligence and Dr. Oluwatomi Iken, an early career researcher and senior resident in community medicine spoke on “From Mentoring to Succeed” exploring extensively, her experiences under four of her mentors. She mentioned how she went from having a resit from every exams she took in medical school to becoming an outstanding student from John Hopkins University.
The event featured entertaining performances from Ola-Ijo, a cultural dance crew.
Among the distinguished attendees were also Prof. Ademowo, former Dean of Basic medical Science, Prof Adenipekun, HOD of Radiology and Oncology. Dr. Joseph Ashidi, Ag. Director, Research, Linkages and Advancement (Olabisi Onabanjo University) and Dr. (Mrs) Bukola Adegbesan representing the Vice Chancellor of OOU, Prof. Ganiyu Olatunji Olatija,
Dr Adeniyi, Former HOD of Virology and Professor Owoaje.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Health Ministry was Dr. Lawal, Director of Public Health who promised the commitment of the ministry in stimulating research aand innovation. He stated that the ministry is ready to partner with the University in ensuring this while promising the prompt granting of ethical review permit to researchers.
The symposium also featured paper presentation from Postgraduate students, resident doctors and undergraduate students. Dr. Obioma Uchendu spoke CRIM: The Gateway to Early Research Centre, exploring the goals and roles of the institute while Akintayo Abiodun presented on behalf of College Research and Innovation Hub.
In his closing remarks, the Provost, represented by the Deputy Provost, Professor Denloye congratulated CRIM on the success of the pilot day of this year’s i-Research. She reinterated the words of the speakers and encouraged the role of interaction, research and innovation in the college. She laud the energetic display of the cultural dance troop.