NSASA Holds Orientation for Freshers, Awards Scholarships to Outstanding Students

The Nigerian Sociology and Anthropology Students’ Association (NSASA), University of Ibadan, held its orientation programme for newly admitted 100-level and 200-level transferred/direct entry students on Tuesday, 6th of may 2025. The event, held at the Faculty of the Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, was designed to officially welcome the freshers into the department and equip them with essential information about their academic journey, expectations, and opportunities in the university.

The programme began at 10:13 a.m with the recitation of the National anthem and the University of Ibadan anthem. The moderator, Mr. Q.O. Adeosun, introduced the guests; the Head of Department, Professor Adebimpe A. Adenugba, Dr. S.A. Omolawal, Dr. U.A. Ojedokun; the Undergraduate Coordinator I; and Dr. C.E. Dinne, the Assistant Undergraduate Coordinator.

In the absence of the HOD at the start, Dr. Omolawal gave the welcome address. He congratulated the new students for making it into the University of Ibadan, stating that they were now part of a top-ranking department with a long-standing reputation for excellence. “You have been admitted into a department that studies every part of society. This is a serious academic contract you’ve signed, and it’s for four years,” he said.

He informed the students that they were expected to register a minimum of 40 units in their 100 level and should not joke with deadlines, as the university portal won’t reopen after it closes. He stressed the importance of taking academics seriously, keeping up with assignments, and staying organized.

Shortly after, Prof. Adebimpe Adenugba arrived and addressed the audience. She expressed disappointment with the poor turnout of returning students. She scolded the president, Adetunji Samson for not been able to mobilize the returning students to be available for the program, and instructed all executive members to report to her office by 1:00 p.m. that day.

Turning to the freshers, she encouraged them not to follow the example of their seniors who didn’t attend the programme. She reminded everyone that the University of Ibadan is the first and best in Nigeria and that the Department of Sociology is among the most respected in the country. “We just celebrated 60 years of existence. This is a department of legacy and quality,” she noted.

She also asked awardees for academic excellence to raise their hands, but was disappointed that only three responded. She emphasized that the awards were serious and required physical presence. She left briefly and promised to return for the award presentation to just those three.

Dr. Omolawal then continued his session, explaining important academic rules. He discussed core, elective, and required courses, and broke down the new CGPA system. He warned that any student with a CGPA below 1.0 at the end of the session risks withdrawal. By the end of 100 level, students should have completed at least 24 units; 48 units by 200 level; and 72 by 300 level. To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 120 units.

He also mentioned that selling handouts is not allowed in the department. He urged students to create a reading timetable, dress decently, be mindful of their friends, and avoid behavior that could lead to being summoned by the Student Disciplinary Committee. “You are being trained to be sociologists. Don’t be the problem of society,” he said.

Dr. U.A. Ojedokun spoke next, encouraging students to participate in extracurricular activities. According to him, the university space offers more than just academics. He shared that students often face challenges such as time management, financial struggles, emotional stress, and rigidity. He advised them to manage their time wisely, be flexible, and choose friends who motivate them.

He also told students to use social media responsibly and avoid posting harmful or disrespectful content about the department or the university. “Commit yourself into God’s hands, and read like you’ve never read,” he advised.

Students asked questions after his speech, and the lecturers gave answers to help clarify issues related to grading, course registration, and expectations.

Around 11:32 a.m., Prof. Adenugba returned to present awards to five outstanding students in the department. Each award came with a ₦200,000 scholarship. The awardees were: Adetunji Samson (400 level); Oloye Damilola Praise (300 level); Abduli Boluwatife and Akinlabi Mercy Boluwatife (both 200 level); and Amos Fortune, also in 400 level.

She clarified that the money was not from the school but was funded by the department to encourage academic excellence. Although she had initially decided not to give the awards to those who weren’t present earlier, she later changed her mind and went ahead with the presentations.

She praised Adetunji Samson the president and also an awardee  for his leadership and commitment to the department, expressing confidence that he would go on to represent the department well beyond the university.

Dr. Omolawal gave the final breakdown of the CGPA classifications as follows: 4.5 – 5.0: First Class, 3.5 – 4.49: Second Class Upper, 2.5 – 3.49: Second Class Lower, 1.5 – 2.49: Third Class and 1.0 – 1.49: Pass.

He encouraged students to aim high and never settle for mediocrity. “There is no joy in just passing. Do your best and make your stay here count,” he said.

The event ended with a few closing remarks from Dr. Dinne, who thanked everyone for attending and wished the freshers a successful academic journey in the department.