As part of efforts to recognize and highlight the remarkable strides of female student politicians and entrepreneurs in the University community, Zik Press reached out to the hall chair of Queen Elizabeth II Hall, Mojoyinoluwa Agbonde. In this exclusive chat with Zik press correspondent, Olayinka Awoyeku, she gives her vivid take on student politcs, academics and how she manages to balance the two.
Zik Hall Press: Kindly introduce yourself.
Mojoyinoluwa: My name is Mojoyinoluwa Kofoworola Agbonde. I am a 500 Level Law student of the University of Ibadan. I am an individual who is driven by the pursuit of balance and I strive to excel in every aspect of my life. Volunteering is a big part of who I am, thus, I am currently serving my community as the Hall Chairperson of Queen Elizabeth II Hall, University of Ibadan.
Zik Hall Press: Nice meeting you, Miss Mojoyinoluwa. Talking about volunteering and balancing it with academics, we all know how tedious it can be, how do you manage the two together?
Mojoyinoluwa: I try my best to pick from the wisdom of everyone who has gone ahead of me and has done well in both areas so that I do not walk on the same landmines while also incorporating whatever good method that worked for them and which suits my person into whatever is currently working for me.
Balance for me in academics and volunteering is putting my greatest strength and weakness on a scale while ensuring that one checks the other rather than shadow it. My greatest strength is getting work done excellently and giving my all to a project. I go all out for my academics and I have seen that I do the same for leadership. My weakness is perfectionism and since you can almost never read too much, I do a lot of balancing with community service. I set realistic deadlines for both aspects, delegate tasks and ask for feedback and have accountability partners.
Zik Hall Press: Could you name some of these associations?
Mojoyinoluwa: For Queen Elizabeth II Hall, Hall Secretary 2022/2023 session, Chairperson, Royal Academic Board 2021/2022 Session, For the Law Student's Society, Mentorship Committee, Audit Committee, For St.John's Anglican Youth Church, Head, Guild of Stewards. Hall Head of Sponsorships for the Personality Lecture Committee 2021/2022 session.
Zik Hall Press: Such a heavy profile, what are your hobbies?
Mojoyinoluwa: I like reading. I enjoy African books a lot. I'm not sure if this is a hobby but I enjoy watching cooking content on YouTube.
Zik Hall Press: Who is your favorite African writer? Which book did you read that made you fall in love with African books?
Mojoyinoluwa: Definitely Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. That might be The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu although I don't think I was introduced to the love of African books because of just one author. I think it is due to the fact that I find them more relatable. I can't explain the feeling.
Zik Hall Press: As a Student leader who also doubles as the Hall Chairperson of Queen Elizabeth Hall, when did you develop interest in politics and how did it come about?
Mojoyinoluwa: The Law Student's Society President in my 100 Level, Oyindamola Abdulfatai and a roommate of mine in 100 Level, Peace Akinola (she ran for Finance Minister) have had the greatest influence on me. It was exciting to see them campaign and win. I was inspired by their campaigns and work in their respective offices and was determined that if I was to ever run for a post, it would be the post of Hall/General Secretary. This is where my parents especially my Dad come in. My Dad has been General Secretary of different organizations. I have seen him juggle being the General Secretary of 5 organizations at the same time and I was fascinated. When the opportunity came in 300 Level to run for a post in the Hall, the post of General Secretary was the one I fancied the most. That post brew the desire to run for Hall Chairperson later on.
Zik Hall Press: During the process of contesting for the post of Hall Chairperson, what were the challenges that you faced?
Mojoyinoluwa: The one that takes the prize has to be juggling holding an executive post while running for another and being a very crucial member to the Hall Week activities.
Zik Hall Press: Aside from these, any other challenges at all?
Mojoyinoluwa: There was none.
Zik Hall Press: All right, what is your view about female participation in politics in UI?
Mojoyinoluwa: I believe it is getting better.
Zik hall Press: Getting better? How was it before?
Mojoyinoluwa: In recent times, women have been stepping out of their comfort zones and I love it for them.
Zik Hall Press: What are the most interesting experiences you have had as a student politician and as a Hall Chairperson?
Mojoyinoluwa: That would be the thrill I get from organizing events, educating students and applying these experiences and skills student leadership has given me to my resume and career accelerating applications.
Zik Hall Press: Do you have the intention of going into politics full term?
Mojoyinoluwa: No.
Zik Hall Press: Why not?
Mojoyinoluwa: I have other long term goals and "full term" politics is not one of them.
Zik Hall Press: What advice do you have for someone that wants to go into politics in UI?
Mojoyinoluwa: Have good plans. Be self convinced and convince others that you are the man for the job. In conclusion, don't underestimate the power of networking.
Zik Hall Press:The power of networking should not be underestimated. Talking about the Hall of Residences in UI, what is your view about Zik Hall?
Mojoyinoluwa: It is a very progressive Hall. I admire the bond they have and I believe it is worth of applause.
Zik Hall Press: What remarkable experience do you have as regards the hall?
Mojoyinoluwa; I can't recall having any joint social event with Zik Hall. I'm sure that I would have memorable experiences as the session unfolds.
Zik Hall Press: As we round up, what is your take on feminism and gender equality in Nigeria?
Mojoyinoluwa: I find this interesting because it is what my project is centered on. We must recognize that there is gender bias and discrimination and there is a need for continued education and awareness. We must not be tired on this journey of awareness. Women empowerment programmes are welcome and violence in its various forms should be addressed.
Zik Hall Press: Do you think feminism in Nigeria is gaining the necessary publicity?
Mojoyinoluwa: It is gaining publicity although there is a long way to go. However, I believe that support on social media and the study of gender issues like the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan is currently doing under the Reproductive and Health Law and Family Law courses and the Faculty of Law Women's Clinic are some of the measures that can make the journey shorter.
Zik Hall Press: As we go, do you have any parting words?
Mojoyinoluwa: Well, just as a reminder, your academics is your priority. Don't give up on it. Trust God as regards it. I wish you the best.
Zik Hall Press: Thank you for your time.
Mojoyinoluwa: You are welcome.
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