The Press Club, UNILAG was with the with the Provost, College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL) for an interview, on Friday, the 12th of October, 2018 which started around 1:10pm at the office of the provost, idi-araba. The team was led by the outgoing president of the Press Club – Kemisola Agoyi and the incoming president, Ayomide Olufolarin. Who after a snippet of introduction and commendation of the recent achievements of the Provost, further described The Press Club as the only student Journalist association on Campus that act as the students voice and are the fourth estate of the realm. During the interview, we discussed and clarified on issues pertaining to the college of medicine, her students and even her staff among many others. | ||
The Provost – Prof Afolabi Lesi – in his warm welcome said, “Nice meeting you all, let me commend you on the effort of the Press member for taking up the task to be the Search Light and watchdog for the student of University of Lagos at Large. If we don’t have a free press we can’t have a free society”. | ||
Below are excerpts from the interview. | ||
Correspondents; Ayomide Olufolarin, Caleb Olonitola, Isiaq Mayowa, Mbama Chisom, Idowu Oluwaseun, Ayinde Olawale and Agoyi Kemisola. | ||
![]() |
Can we meet you Sir?
I am Professor Afolabi Lesi, Provost College of Medicine UNILAG – a Professor of Paediatrics, married to a Professor of Medicine – a gastroenterologist and blessed with children. I was born in Lagos; my parents are late, my father was the late Prof. F. E. A. Lesi – Former Deputy Provost of this College of Medicine while my mother was a nurse. I went to C.M.S Grammar School, Lagos and graduated from College of Medicine in 1984. I got my Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians in 1994 and went to England for my Masters in the University College London. I was employed as Lecturer 1 in 1995 and rose through ranks to become a Professor in 2011. I was the former Ag. HOD of Paediatrics Department, former Dean of Faculty of Clinical Science and now Provost.
There are uncertified rumors that the College of Medicine (UNILAG) wants to pull out of independent power plant project because of cost. How true is this?
Let me start by saying the I.P.P is a project conceived during the tenure of the former C.M.D – Prof. Akin Osibogun, unfortunately the cost of the cost power at conception was not what the cost by the time the project came on stream in December 2017 under Professor Chris Bode. The College is not pulling out, and we continue to fulfill our financial obligations to enjoy uninterrupted light in classrooms, hostels, offices etc. For me, students in their hostels consume a lot of power. However, for now students don’t pay a kobo for power. The fees Idi-araba students pay for is accommodation is mostly used to pay the hostels facilities managers. So, to have affordable power, we are considering our options – going back to NEPA, using Generator or sticking to the IPP. But going back to NEPA light is not the best for the College because we all know how NEPA light works and having 3 hours light per day will not encourage the student performance enough. Ultimately, we need to engage the students in a dialogue to determine the best approach to cost sharing. The option of not having power in our hostels is not a good option if we consider examination preparation.
What is the estimated increment the College of Medicine student should be expecting as regard power?
That I can’t tell you for now because I need to meet the student body first and the final cost will be a balance of the actual cost and what student can pay. I also will want to meet with the parent’s because at the end of the day it is the parents/guardians who will pay for their children and wards.
There’s a News going around that UCH provost pasted a notice claiming all Provosts have agreed to increase school fees to #75,000 for Basic medicals and #85,000 for Clinical students, this has caused so much unrest among the students. How true is this?
Let me clarify that rumor, the Committee of Provosts have NOT proposed or made any attempt to increase school fees. However, what we are talking about now is fees for practical’s. When I was a student here, we used to have one cadaver to 10 students but because of poor funding, now we have one cadaver to 20 students or more, even some students won’t have the opportunity to dissect successfully. Dog and Rat experiments are also used for physiology and pharmacology practical’s. To maintain standards, these practical’s cost money and we cannot stop doing them. Mind you, all our programs here are talking about life; what will be of the health sector if our students are not properly trained? According to NUC, it costs about $3,500 to train a “science” student – not even medical, just science… so to do the calculation with an official exchange rate of #306 it’s roughly #1,071,000. What the Committee of Provosts have suggested is for the practical’s, demonstrations and Clinical fees ONLY and these must be approved by individual universities. Good quality education at a little price is always better than a poor-quality education for free, putting in mind that we want to train students with certificates that are acceptable internationally.
The Authorities took back the building rights to COMPSSA complex from COMPSSA Executives at Idi-Araba which was a major source of income and influence for the association to cater for the welfarism of college students, Why was this?
Let me give a quick background history of the building. The building is not owned by COMPSSA. Initially the building housed the cafeteria and the common room. The student body executives then had their offices on top and there was a reading room. There were no commercial activities at all apart from few shops, and they was not under COMPSSA. All those spaces converted to Plaza were the kitchen then. Over the years complaints about high-handedness and corruption lead to the College taking back control of the building under a committee chaired by a Professor which includes COMPSSA President, COMPSSA Secretary and a staff from Student Affairs to manage the building. All the money generated shall be used for COMPSSA-related activities and necessary renovations. I have promised them, and I still stick to the promise that I won’t use the money for any other thing rather than for COMPSSA only. The point is the building is under joint management which include the President and Secretary of COMPSSA
Really, I would rather have COMPSSA than any other student body because they are the only true representation of all students across all departments and faculties. In Akoka, they have faculty presidents and executives but here most students start from the faculty of basic medical sciences and ends up in faculty of clinical sciences.
Departments like Nursing and Radiography have reduced number of lecturers, which might be affecting the students training. What is the school doing about this?
There are be reduced number of lecturers in the departments which is being addressed now. Nevertheless, if there is any course you feel are not been well-taught you are supposed to let me know. We have interviewed a lady and I am happy to announce that some of our lecturers in Nursing and Radiography recently got their PhD. Shortage of lecturers is a normal challenge for all new programs in most tertiary institutions.
The dump site of waste bin at Cooperative Hostel Idi-Araba College of Medicine, is a threat to good living of students and staffs in that environment. What is your take on it?
Poor handling of waste is a threat to health and the problem of waste is a major problem of Lagos, because of the volume of waste we are generating in a mega city like Lagos. However, the good news is that the hospital has spent a huge amount of money in building an incinerator which is supposed to be incinerating waste. The only challenge now is that we are still waiting for the commissioning of the incinerator by the concerned government official but it’s going to be used very soon they are just trying to get a date fixed.
Concerning the recent fire outbreak in the female hostel at Idi-Araba, the news flash carried some not-so-true news and claimed it to be a result of carelessness by the concerned students. What is your stand on this?
While student carelessness cannot be ruled out, investigation is still ongoing as to the real cause of the fire. Some students had complained of electrical problems on some floors. The message is that all of us need to be alert and vigilant and report promptly any electrical faults and be compliant with hostel rules and regulations.
In one of our recent Interview with a key management staff in Akoka, he stated that the College of Medicine was set up under an “act of parliament” and they draw their budgetary allocation independent of University of Lagos and the provost manages these funds. How is this true? And is there any effect on the benefits of Idi-Araba students?
When the College was established in 1962 it was through the Act of Parliament, then it was the only School that was enacted by the Act of Parliament. However, in 1967 there was a new “University of Lagos Act” which puts College under the University of Lagos. Activities like pasting of students result, employment of staffs, payment of salaries etc. are directly from the University. For example, after the College Academic Board meeting on results, they are still sent to the Senate for final approval. While the College is under the University of Lagos, it’s a self-accounting unit, just like DLI or Unilag Consult, that’s the reason why I have a Director of Finance. Nevertheless, the Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Accounting Officer of the University of Lagos. Also, the Provost has responsibility for all students affairs and issues in the College.
This year, AMSUL was invited to represent the College at the NiMSA games, they won gold but the money promised has not be given to the student, we also got the information that some clinical 500l students were not allowed to participate in the game also. Why?
While congratulating them on their feat, I was made aware of some of the challenges they were facing and immediately responded. I am certain the outstanding payment issues will be resolved. Yes, some 500L students wrote to me that they wanted to be part of the NiMSA tournament, the problem was that the tournament clashed with one of their yearly compulsory program.
What is the Update about Radiography Student induction?
The students of the concerned department shall have their induction soon once we have concluded the accreditation visit by their professional body scheduled for November 2018.
Recommendations from The Press Club, UNILAG
- Deratization and Fumigation exercise should be conducted soonest in the hostels, as rat infestation is massively returning.
- A town hall meeting should be organised soon to re-orientate the student on what they need to know and do as regards prevention of fire outbreak.
Discussion39 Comments
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about website.
Regards
Hiya very nice website!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing ..
I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also?
I’m satisfied to search out numerous useful information here in the put
up, we’d like work out extra strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing.
. . . . .
This is really attention-grabbing, You’re a very professional blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and stay up for searching for extra of your great post.
Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks
certainly like your web-site but you have to check the spelling on quite a few
of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues
and I in finding it very bothersome to inform the reality nevertheless I’ll certainly come again again.
In truth, massage therapy is now worth millions and is no longer reserved for luxury spas.
my website 스웨디시
The DGE is the Division of Gaaming Enforcement for New Jersey casinos,
and when a casino is regiwtered with them, you can rest assured you’re
playing in protected hands.
Also visit my webpage: 온라인카지노
We are aalso pleased to supply handy shuttle service to
the Cabazon Outlets and Desert Hlls Premium Outlets.
my website; check here
For instance, it is the preferred online casino whn paying with crypoto for its
bonuses.
Visit my blog :: https://casinomaga.com
It supplies a really user-friendly interface by way off desktop, mobile and app.
Also visit my web-site :: 토토사이트추천
It really is also spiked with hints off invigorating tangerine
and mint for awakening your olfactory senses.
Also visit my web-site – 스웨디시마사지
Unsurprisingly, tuis is one of our biggest concerns when evaluating any beting web
sites.
Here is my web site :: check here
Qi gives a selection of relaxing services ftom half-physique massages
(RM65 ffor 30 minutes RM75 for 45 minutes) to
hotfoot soaks and reflexology (RM92 for 45 minutes).
my site :: 스웨디시마사지
A heatless ultrasonic diffuser wirh an automatic shut-off function and a
chic imitation wod design and style.
My blog post; 스웨디시
So, not all bettimg sites operate in these countries unanimously.
Herre is my homepage :: web page
BetOnline iss the perfect casino for the modern player
searching for rapid-paced entertainment.
Feel free to visit my bloog :: 온라인카지노
There aare quite a few onlinne casinos that supply no deposit bonuses to customers.
Take a look at my homepage blackjackarea.com
Even though $25 may possibly appear a paltry sum, you
are offered the freedom to play what you want.
Feel free to visit myy blog: 카지노사이트
A handful of virtual blackjack tables, roulette wheels, baccarat
games, and specialties round out the game choice here.
Also visit my blog :: vov.gg
Its lije you read my mind! Youu seem to know a lot about this,
like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you could do witfh some pics too drive
the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is
wonderful blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.
Feeel free to visit my homepage; 안전토토사이트
Casino bonus codes differ in terms off what games you
can play, their terms and situations.
Here is my website :: 온라인카지노
The $10 no deposit bonus is currently the only no deposit bonus reside in the state of
Pennsylvania for its on the internet casinos.
Also visit myy website … 카지노
I got this web page from my pal who shared with me on the topic of this website and at the moment this time I am browsing this
site and reading very informative articles or reviews at
this time.
The max win level of £250 is not perfect but is surely justifiable.
Here is my website – 바카라사이트
Hi there, You’ve done a great job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
I am sure they will be benefited from this web site.
my page … 먹튀검증업체
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between usability and appearance.
I must say you have done a excellent job with this. Also,
the blog loads very quick for me on Safari. Superb Blog!
Also visit my site: 신용카드골드론
Keep on writing, great job!
Here is my homepage – fx마진거래
I do not know if it’s just me or if everybody else
experiencing problems with your website. It looks like some of the text within your content are running
off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to
them as well? This may be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Many thanks
Feel free to surf to my page … 메이저사이트
What’s up, yeah this paragraph is actually fastidious and I
have learned lot of things from it regarding blogging. thanks.
my web page 홀덤시티
I read this article completely regarding the comparison of newest and
earlier technologies, it’s amazing article.
If you are going for finest contents like myself, only pay a visit this web site all the time for
the reason that it offers feature contents, thanks
Howdy! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay.
I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
I’m excited to uncover this website. I wanted to thank you for ones
time for this particularly wonderful read!!
I definitely loved every bit of it and i also have you book-marked to
look at new stuff on your site.
naturally like your web-site however you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome
to inform the truth nevertheless I will definitely come again again.
Thank you for the good writeup. It actually was once a amusement account it.
Look complex to more added agreeable from you! However, how could we be in contact?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about Small Business Marketing.
Regards
I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the
layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to
see a nice blog like this one nowadays.
Hi to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this webpage;
this webpage carries awesome and in fact fine information in favor of readers.
What’s up, I desire to subscribe for this weblog to take newest updates, therefore where can i do it please help.
I know this site offers quality based articles or reviews and other
material, is there any other web site which offers these kinds
of information in quality?