Insurance, Employment Relations, Human Resources Management takes the lead on the MSA podium

By Ayomide Ogunseye and Ajoke Dabiri

The Management Sciences Association (MSA) marked a notable milestone with their successful hosting of the inter-departmental debate and quiz competition on May 1, 2024, reviving the tradition after its last edition in 2019. Themed “Checkmate: The Coronation of Intellect,” the event was held at the esteemed Tayo Aderinokun Hall.

The faculty’s sub-dean, Dr. Samson Ogege, voiced his support for the debate, citing the importance of socializing academically. He emphasized that education extends beyond the confines of the university. In his words: “school goes beyond the four walls of the University, you need school to also socialize academically”.

A lecturer in the Department of Actuarial Science, Dr Sogunro expressed his unwavering commitment to the success of his students, measuring his own success by their achievements. He said, “I’m not a successful lecturer, until you succeed. It is when you succeed, that’s when I’m successful. So, I am looking forward to your success.”

Mr David Akpafro, an alumnus of the Department of Accounting, University of Lagos commended the students for the initiative taken in organizing such a program. According to Akpafro, “it is good to see that students are coming together to organise a programme like this”.

The keynote speaker likened the debate topic, the Coronation of intellect, to the importance of elevating intelligence and intellect to an important position in society. In his words, “it is like we are making intellect, intelligence like a king in our society and that is what Nigeria needs at this point in time.”

The Director of Communications for Unilag Debate Society, Abdullahi Abdulrazaq Ope, moderated the debate centered around the notion: ” 11 months after the swearing in of the new administration, the presidency has enacted policies like the removal of fuel subsidy, floating of the naira, etc. All of these have affected the economic situation of everyone in the country. Following public controversies, a motion has been moved in the senate for the impeachment of the President. To pass a two- thirds majority as required by the constitution, the Labour Party senatorial caucus needs to vote for the impeachment. This house as the Labour party senatorial caucus will vote against the impeachment”.

At the end of the British Parliamentary style of Debate, 300 level Insurance students, Chidera Osih and God’sfavour Onyeagucha won first place as the best speakers and received a prize of #100,000.00 (One hundred thousand naira only).

For the quiz competition, representatives of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management took first place, Anuolwapo Gbotolorun and Inakwu Wisdom won receiving the prize of #50,000 while Actuarial Science and Accounting claimed 2nd and 3rd place with a cash prize of 30,000 and 20,000 respectively.

The president of MSA, Toriola Isaac Olawale, in an interview with Unilagsun correspondence, stated that the competition is like a dream come true. He mentioned that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strikes, they haven’t been able to hold a competition like this and it is like a “tick off their list.” He also used the opportunity to appreciate the MSA planning committee for their various contributions.

The project head, Sheriff Mohammed, during the interview, gave thanks to the sponsors of the Competition, Sycamore, Edubridge and Mr David Apafro for believing in them. He said the competition exceeded their expectations as they were able to fill up the 700-capacity hall.

Also present at the debate, Associate Professor, College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL), Head of Marketing Sycamore, Mojisola Fagbohunlu, Emeritus President of the Management Student Association, Omorele Oluwafemi.