The Departmental Theme Programme by the Department of Sociology on the 19th of September, 2025

Theme: Mental Health, Peer Support, and Responsible AI Usage

The event commenced at 10:15am with the National and University anthems. The host, Dr. Adeosun, introduced the event to the audience and the guest speakers. He went through the High Table protocols duly, introducing the HOD's representative present and every esteemed professor and guest speaker present. The event itself was opened with a speech from the HOD's representative, Prof Olutayo. He began with the quote “Sociology is life and life is Sociology” and encouraged the audience, mostly consisting of the undergraduate students, to “Be here and be effective”, and not just pass by. He also encouraged the participation of everyone to participate in the program with the intention of having a change of heart.

The program continued with the presentation from the first guest speaker, Dr. Olufunke Fayehun titled, “You are not alone: Understanding the pressures students face today ”. She described the University of Ibadan as the "Harvard of Nigeria”, our certificates are powerful if we can scale through. Her presentation was impactful as she provided adequate and relatable case studies of what students face daily and how to overcome them. She recommended actual centers where students can get help like the Student Leadership Development Programme.

The second guest speaker, Prof. Jibril Abdulmalik is from the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. His presentation on “Mental Health and Students’ Well-being ” was very practical and enlightening. He emphasized on steps to take to ensure mental well-being. He pointed out that physical, mental, and social well-being are intertwined and affect each other and they have to be paid adequate attention. He shunned any form of drug abuse, emphasizing that it is best not to be involved at all. He provided a lot of tips to maintain health with well-explained scenarios.

Mrs. Lydia Adeladan, the third guest speaker from the department of Psychology, gave a presentation titled “Together We Thrive: Peer Support and The Culture of Care”. The presentation was a holistic one, combining and summing up the points made in the previous presentations. She began with the quote “Speak out, don't die in silence ”. She emphasized the need for communication between peers. Showing support, regular check-ins, sharing reading resources, genuine conversations, etc. This would help students to scale through school successfully. These and many more she explained were needed to continue the Culture of care.

The final presentation was given by Prof. Olayinka Akanle, on “AI and Student Life”. He highlighted the pros and cons of AI Usage and how to effectively use it without getting addicted. He emphasized the fact that humans created AI and we're not to solely depend on it as it kills our creativity and innovations. He listed out some effective AI tools like Research Rabbit, ChatGPT, etc, advising us to use our intellects first before consulting them.

Questions were thrown to the guest speakers and they were answered adequately. The event came to a close at 1:08 pm, with the vote of thanks given by Dr. Busari who acknowledged the guest speakers, every lecturer present, the post-graduates, and the undergraduate students.

“Ibadan Sociology has been here since 1964 and is still here for you.”