IT'S FATSSSA ELECTIONS O'CLOCK!! MEET MR OLUMIDE DASAOLU, VYING FOR THE PRESIDENCY

 

By Vivian NNAGBORO

Interviewer: Good Afternoon, Mr. Olumide.

 

Mr. Olumide: Good afternoon, ma'am.

 

Interviewer: Please can you give a brief introduction about your political portfolio?

 

Mr. Olumide: Well, it started from my polytechnic days, though I did not run for any office, but I was part of the campaign team of the emerged SUG president. My political run in UI started with AGS in FATSSSA, involvement in various campaigns from SU - department level.

 

Interviewer: What specific initiatives do you plan to undertake to promote academic excellence within our faculty?

 

Mr. Olumide: Well, I plan on bringing in an inter-departmental quiz competition which will see departments go against each other in different rounds of questions. The questions, however, will be based on general knowledge and not FATSSSAites' respective disciplines. This, I believe, will broaden our academic horizon.

 

Interviewer: Is that the only new initiative you plan on implementing during your tenure?

 

Mr. Olumide: Well, as far as academics is concerned, yes. The other plans for academics have been carried out by previous and current administrations, and I plan on leveraging on them.

 

Interviewer: How do you plan to address the growing concerns about the lack of diversity and inclusivity within our faculty?

 

Mr. Olumide: During my time as the AGS of the faculty, the administration I served in was an all-inclusive one to a very large extent, and one of the main things that helped us was the fact that we had an open secretariat, i.e., the administration stretched an open arm, including every department in every of its dealings. So, I believe if one can continue that, FATSSSAites will be more than willing to be a part of the administration.

 

Interviewer: What strategies do you propose to strengthen the relationship between faculty members and your administration?

 

Mr. Olumide:

1. Create an atmosphere where everyone sees themselves as FATSSSAites, not only by being financial members but also by heart. This, I believe, can be achieved when they are much involved.

2. Establishing a cordial relationship between departmental executives and also class reps.

 

Interviewer: How will you ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making processes within the association?

 

Mr. Olumide: Transparency has never been a problem in FATSSSA, at least that I know of. Decision-making is not solely the jurisdiction of the executive council. The FHR still has to vet, the faculty management has to be carried along as well, and obviously, the resolution of all will surely be published to FATSSSAites.

 

Interviewer: Can you provide examples of your previous leadership experience and how it prepared you for this role?

 

Mr. Olumide:

1. Class rep of my level from 18/19 session till date, this has really boosted my confidence level, communication skills, and ability to tolerate, and all these are some of the characteristics needed for a leader.

2. I have had the opportunity to head and also be a member of quite a number of committees for both social and academic events. These activities have also helped in widening my horizon for events in this school.

 

Interviewer: What measures would you take to address the increasing financial constraints and budgetary challenges faced by the faculty?

 

Mr. Olumide: We will try our possible best to meet sponsors (individual and corporate bodies) earlier for events, prayerfully hoping that we get them to sponsor.

 

Interviewer: Can I inquire about your planned strategies or methods to persuade potential sponsors and secure financing for your programs?

 

Mr. Olumide: Well, the first thing is to boost our social media handles. This will be our first selling point,

 

 promising them more visibility. Then we will also have a sponsorship committee who will be solely tasked with the responsibility of getting sponsors.

 

Interviewer: How do you plan to promote interdisciplinary collaboration among different departments and programs?

 

Mr. Olumide: For every faculty event, the respective departmental PROs will help in publicizing it on their department groups. For every of the faculty events, the department presidents will also be carried along so as to ensure they communicate to their respective constituencies.

 

Interviewer: How would you handle situations where faculty members have conflicting interests or opinions on a particular issue?

 

Mr. Olumide: Well, the situation at hand will determine the response, and besides, irrespective of the issues, we have faculty execs as well as FHR, same with department execs and their legislative arm, so all these heads combined, I believe, should solve any issue on the ground.

 

Interviewer: What steps would you take to enhance communication and engagement between faculty administration and students?

 

Mr. Olumide: I will ensure, through the office of the General Secretary, we keep them abreast of all the dealings of the association.

 

Interviewer: How would you advocate for the needs and concerns of faculty members at higher levels, such as with the university administration or external organizations?

 

Mr. Olumide: Well, there is no need that can take us down to the university management; that is why we have faculty management, except for scholarships, and this will be sent from Student Affairs to the faculty management. For external organizations, if I see anything that will benefit FATSSSA, I will do all my possible best to ensure we get it, with the support of my team.

 

Interviewer: Can you describe your approach to handling conflicts or disagreements within the faculty association?

 

Mr. Olumide: Well, I don't have a specific approach I use or that I will use, but I strongly believe in bringing everything to the table and then reaching a consensus that will benefit all parties involved.

 

Interviewer: How would you encourage and support faculty members in their professional development and career advancement?

 

Mr. Olumide: Well, any opportunity we get within and outside the school environment, we will ensure we help FATSSSAites jump on it. Besides, all things being equal, we should have seminars or webinars that will also help in boosting this.

 

Interviewer: What measures would you implement to ensure that faculty members have a healthy work-life balance?

 

Mr. Olumide: Through the office of the AGS, we will come up with plans on how to go about that. However, we will be having tips on our social media handles about health-related issues and how to go about balancing.

 

Interviewer: How would you address the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies and their impact on teaching and research within our faculty?

 

Mr. Olumide: Well, I don't think I have much on that. However, any technology that we surely know will benefit FATSSSAites, we will sell it to them if possible, connect them to professionals in the field.

 

Interviewer: Can you outline your vision for the faculty association and how you plan to achieve it during your term as president?

 

Mr. Olumide: Well, FATSSSA has a vision as stated in Article 2 of FATSSSA's constitution, and that is what I will be working with to further boost and promote the excellence FATSSSA is known for.

 

Interviewer: Thank you for your time.