Inauguration of the Global Sponsor A Student Programme (G-SASP) Board: A Renewed Commitment to Empowering and Supporting Medical Students in the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), in collaboration with the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide (ICOMAA-WW), is proud to announce the inauguration of the Global Sponsor A Student Programme (G-SASP) Board. This milestone event took place on Saturday, 13th July 2024, during the Induction Programme for graduating students into the Medical and Dental Professions, held at the Paul Hendrickse Auditorium, University College Hospital, Ibadan. The Inauguration of the Board can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zocyVZzR0Yk including the speech by the G-SASP Co-Chair at the event from 3:10:00 – 3:19:00.
The G-SASP is an evolution of the Sponsor A Student Programme (SASP), designed to provide critical financial support and scholarships to students at CoMUI who face economic hardships. The rebranded G-SASP is not just a continuation but a significant expansion of this initiative, aimed at ensuring that no student drops out or experiences negative consequences due to financial constraints.
The newly constituted G-SASP Board, consisting of CoMUI alumni from across the globe, will be at the helm of this initiative for the next five years. The Board’s role is crucial in providing oversight, ensuring accountability, and sustaining the programme through effective fundraising and resource management. Their responsibilities include working closely with ICOMAA Executives, CoMUI Management, and students to raise funds, select deserving students through a transparent process, and maintain the programme’s sustainability.
In her address, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, FAS, Provost of CoMUI, emphasised the renewed commitment to the objectives of G-SASP. “The Global Sponsor A Student Programme represents our dedication to supporting the next generation of medical professionals. Nothing has changed about our focus on indigent medical students, if anything, it is that we are ensuring that this dream never dies as we leave office. Our students are the brightest and best of the best, money should never be a factor in impacting their dreams of finishing medical school.
By providing necessary scholarships and financial aid, we aim to promote an environment where every student, regardless of their financial background, can thrive and achieve their dreams,” she added.
The rebranding and expansion of the SASP into the G-SASP reflect a strategic move towards sustainability and long-term impact. It also speaks to the collective strength and commitment of the CoMUI alumni network and the broader university community to invest in the future of medical education in Nigeria.
The G-SASP Board as currently constituted includes Dr. Olabisi Oshikanlu (MBBS Class of 1985), who will serve as the Chairperson, and Professor Olubukola Adesina (MBBS Class of 1991) as the Co-Chairperson. They are joined by a team of dedicated alumni, including representatives from ICOMAA chapters in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Nigeria. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and a shared vision of uplifting the medical school and its students. The full profiles of the board members are shared at the end of this news release.
The Global Sponsor A Student Programme (G-SASP) also includes distinguished alumni and administrative support staff. Among the alumni is Mr. Idowu Lawanson, who holds an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Ibadan, Class of 1986. Administrative support for the programme is provided by Dr. Lola Victoria Akinnitere from ICOMAA ADMIN, Mrs. Eunice Umoren, who serves as SASP Admin I, Ms. Feyi Taiwo, SASP Admin II, Ms. Mary Aladelua, the SASP Accountant, Mrs. Adeola Afolayan, the SASP Accountant Supervisor, and Mr. Oluyinka Adedayo, the SASP ADMIN Supervisor. Mr. Oluwaseun Abimbola will provide media outputs.
The programme also benefits from the guidance of Alumni Advice-givers, including Professor A.F. Adeniyi, who is a graduate of the Physiotherapy Class of 1999, a former President of ICOMAA WW, and Deputy Provost from 2020 to 2024. Additionally, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, a graduate of MBBS 1988 and the Incoming Provost (2024-2028), and Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, a graduate of MBBS 1985 and the Provost from 2020 to 2024, provide their expertise. The board is further supported by Professor Emmanuel Otolorin, a graduate of MBBS 1972 and the ICOMAA WW President from 2020 to 2024.
Here are email contacts for the G-SASP Programme for more information: comui.sponsorastudent@gmail.com; sponsorastudent@com.ui.edu.ng
Terms of Reference
For Clarity, The G-SASP Board will do the following:
- Provide a strong network of accountability and sustainability for the G-SASP.
- Work closely with the ICOMAA Executives and members, the CoMUI Management, staff and students to raise funds for the G-SASP.
- Select using the set criteria, students for the G-SASP in a transparent and competitive fashion.
- Ensure that no student at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan drops out of school or otherwise suffers negative consequences because of being financially challenged.
- Provide regular updates to funders, potential funders and the entire CoMUI community on the progress and challenges with the G-SASP.
- Raise funds to ensure that the G-SASP is eventually self-sustaining as an alumni programme nested within ICOMAA.
- Implement a risk management plan to address potential challenges and ensure the programme’s resilience and continuity.
- Establish and enforce a conflict-of-interest policy to maintain transparency and accountability.
- Carry out other activities deemed fit as the need arises.
As the G-SASP Board begins its work, CoMUI and ICOMAA-WW call on alumni and well-wishers to rally behind this noble cause. Together, we are building a foundation for excellence, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder the aspirations of the next generation of healthcare professionals.