Art in the Park: A Picnic to Remember at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine UI

Report on the Inaugural AVMS Parliamentary Council Meeting

The inaugural sitting of the AVMS Parliamentary Council was held on Wednesday, 17 September, at the DVM 5 Classroom from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. The meeting, presided over by Rt. Hon. Babalola Stephen (Speaker), was attended by members of the council with only two absentees recorded.

The Speaker read the agenda for the sitting, after which deliberations commenced. Among the major highlights was the establishment of parliamentary subcommittees. The Budget Committee was inaugurated with the Deputy Speaker serving as Chairman, the Clerk as Secretary, and eight additional members. The Constitution Review Committee was also formed under the leadership of the Deputy Speaker, with Hon. Adewole Benjamin as Vice Chairman.

Another important discussion focused on securing a permanent disturbance-free venue for subsequent sittings. The House resolved that a memo would be released to notify students of the new venue, with signage provided during meetings and identification methods introduced for observers to avoid intrusions.

The matter of replacing a DVM 2 representative who left the college was also discussed. While options included conducting fresh elections or allowing the class head to appoint a replacement, concerns about fairness led to the resolution that the AVMSIEC will conduct a bye-election to fill the seat.

The House also considered communications from the Executive Council. A proposal for shifting association dues to a virtual payment system drew questions regarding transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness. The AVMS President was present to address these concerns. With regard to the Editorial Board, it was clarified that the appointment of an Editor-in-Chief lies solely with the President, and as such, the council reached no conclusive decision on the matter.

In addition, other issues were raised, including physiology resits and class attendance, a report from the Audit Committee, and matters relating to college dues.

The sitting was adjourned at 4:00 pm after a productive round of deliberations that laid the foundation for the council’s legislative work in the new session.

Prepared by:

Odukoya Abdulrahman.