Interview With NAPS LRC Chairman
NAPS PRESS: Introduce yourself
SAMUEL: I am Ola Samuel, a 300 level student of this Department.
NAPS PRESS: Before gaining admission into UI, did you have another University in mind that you wanted to go?
SAMUEL: Outside the country? Yes. I have been interested in Counseling Psychology at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, due to my experiences as a distance learning student at the University of London and the European Business School. Locally, I have no interest in any other university as I specifically chose the University of Ibadan to experience the sound academic environment of Nigerian public tertiary institutions. No other institution in Nigeria can provide that experience better than the University of Ibadan.
NAPS PRESS: Did you intend to choose Philosophy as your first choice or Philosophy embraced you?
SAMUEL: Philosophy embraced me. I initially choose Communication and Language Arts. However, I surpassed the cutoff mark by far but faced issues with my UTME subject combination, as I chose two social science subjects instead of two arts subjects. This was due to a lack of proper information because Communication and Language Arts in other schools are typically Mass Communication under the Faculty of Social Sciences, while at the University of Ibadan, it is under the Faculty of Arts as Communication and Language Arts.
NAPS PRESS: How has your experience as a penultimate student been like?
SAMUEL: Academically, I have more departmental courses to take this year compared to previous years, which reminds me to stay diligent. Beyond academics, I realize I am halfway through my required time for this program, prompting me to think about my future career plans.
NAPS PRESS: Do you do another thing aside being a student? Like a side hustle or job?
SAMUEL: Yes, I am a professional graphic artist, an eight-time published author, a pianist, and a music critic.
NAPS PRESS: As the current LRC Chairman of the department, what has been your experience so far?
SAMUEL: So far, the experience has been positive. The association is functioning effectively in accordance with its constitution, with strong support from the articulate honorable members representing each constituency and the cooperation of the Executive Council too.
NAPS PRESS: What surged your interest in joining the LRC body of the department?
SAMUEL: As Niven Postma states in her book, "If You Don't Do Politics, Politics Will Do You." So, I have to be actively involved.
NAPS PRESS: What has been your challenges as the LRC chairman so far?
SAMUEL: There have been no challenges so far, and I am optimistic that it will continue this way. I am committed to proving to NAPSites that the LRC is not a group of troublemakers but rather representatives of our overall interests. If all members of the association hold their leaders accountable and officeholders fulfill their responsibilities, there should be no issues. While human errors are inevitable, they can be resolved through cooperation from all parties and prompt communication with the association members.
NAPS PRESS: What would be your advice to your successor after your position as the LRC chairman elapses?
SAMUEL: The Executive Council is not your enemy. Cooperate and work together, but always prioritize the overall interests of NAPSites and ensure the constitution is upheld. Lead with love and empathy, avoiding double standards. Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.
NAPS PRESS: And to our final question, what is your general perception about your course of study, Philosophy?
SAMUEL: Philosophy enhances critical thinking and fuels sound cognitive development. Most importantly,
with Philosophy, I can work anywhere.
NAPS PRESS: Would you choose to study it again in your next life?
SAMUEL: I believe having another life offers a chance to live differently, and I would do so.
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