Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is well-known for the academic vibrancy of her students. Over the years, students of OAU have proven to be adroit scholars as they have represented the school in different academic competitions both home and abroad and clinched top prizes back home. Beyond these feats, OAU students have shown that campus is not only meant to build academic prowess alone but also develop life-changing skills. These skills are developed by associations on campus. Across faculties, hostels and the general campus, OAU students are joining associations that will shape their lives beyond the classroom.
Selected with no particular criterion, here are 5 associations students of OAU can join to build skills and network with great minds:
Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJ-OAU)
If you are looking forward to being a journalist, writer, broadcaster or even a media strategist, ACJ-OAU is an association you can join to get groomed. The association is an indivisible, indissoluble, independent, non-political, non-religious body established in 1963 and fully registered by the Division of Students’ Affairs (DSA), OAU. They disseminate news within and outside the university. Periodically, they organise lectures, workshops, seminars, and conferences to further groom their members on how to go about journalism. Also, they consist of departmental news agencies and blogs on campus like InFocus News Agency, NASELS Communication Bureau, The Icons Organization and so on.
Association of Nigerian Authors, Obafemi Awolowo University (ANA-OAU)
This association is a training ground for students looking forward to becoming authors in the near future. Also, students who are just interested in arts can join as the association highly appreciates various works of art like books, music, painting, singing, etc. They are a thriving community dedicated to nurturing artistic growth, bridging disciplines and celebrating creativity. They meet weekly to read poems, stories, discuss art and engage in critical reviews of members’ works. Sessionally, they organise arts festivals to fully bask in the wonders of arts.
Junior Chamber International Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University Chapter (JCIN-OAU)
JCIN-OAU is a professional association on campus targeted at students seeking personal development, leadership development and a solid network. It is a non-governmental, non-religious organisation of young enterprising leaders. JCI itself is a global association as it has members in over hundred countries across the globe. They believe young people have the power to change the world and are committed to helping them achieve that. They undertake community service projects, leadership development programs, advocacy programs, entrepreneurship programs, etc. If you aspire to become a better version of yourself, you should join this association.
The Students’ Professional Bureau of Management, Obafemi Awolowo University (BOM-OAU)
Are you interested in financial and investment management, strategic management, human resource management, marketing management and so on? Then, BOM-OAU is the right organisation for you. They are aimed at refining management into impact, leadership and global relevance. They organise conferences, webinars and seminars to educate their members. Future entrepreneurs, marketers, HR personnels, managers and the like are groomed at BOM-OAU.
The Tax Club, Obafemi Awolowo University
Curious about taxation, law, finance or even corporate structures, then you should consider joining The Tax Club, OAU. The Tax Club, OAU is a student body on OAU campus focused on tax advocacy, capacity building and building a tax-compliant generation. You stand to gain practical knowledge on taxation, access experts in the industry and internship opportunities by joining the club. It is a vibrant community of commercial students especially and an opportunity to network with great minds.
In conclusion, no matter your interest, you will always find the right community to join as a student of Obafemi Awolowo University. Students’ associations will always remain at the centre of campus life as they help students find their purpose, learn life skills, establish them in their chosen path and connect them to greatness.