Welcome to our first edition of the Junior Chambers International Nigeria, University of Ibadan (JCIN UI) monthly Alumni Spotlight, where we shed light on the incredible journeys of those who once walked the hallowed grounds of the University of Ibadan and contributed to the vibrant spirit of JCIN UI. On this edition, an impactful virtual interview was conducted with a distinguished alumnus of JCIN UI – Mr Joshua Oludayo.
Get ready to be inspired as we delve into the experiences, insights, and impactful contributions of a true JCIN UI trailblazer.
AA: Thank you for agreeing to this interview sir. Please introduce yourself.
JO: I’m Joshua Oludayo. I’m a recent History Graduate from the University of Ibadan. I’m passionate about driving leadership-related initiatives, youth development and Historical research/analysis.I’m a PR and Communications Professional, Public Speaker, Programs Manager and proactive Volunteer.
AA : Congratulations on becoming an alumnus! Could you share a bit about what you’ve been up to since graduating from the University of Ibadan?
JO :Well, I’ve been up to a couple of things. Before graduating, I was appointed as the 2025 Social Media and Content Lead for JCl Nigeria Collegiate Directorate of Communications and I am still very much active in that role. I also began a fully remote role as Social Media Manager for the Nigerian Insurance Industry Committee on African Continental Free Trade Area (NII-AFCFTA). And I’m presently still open to taking on more roles and grasp opportunities as they come.
AA: It is inspiring to see that you have continued the great work you did for JCl beyond JCIN Ul….During your time at the University of Ibadan, you were involved in student leadership, at your faculty level and for what many know you for; being a speaker at Jaw War. Could you tell us about your roles and what you learned from those experiences?
JO: Hmm. I think I had quite a surreal journey in Ul and honestly my journey wasn’t something I had projected or foresaw upon gaining admission, but it just happened anyway. I just didn’t want to be the typical ordinary student, 1 wanted to be different, I wanted to make an impact and in a way leave behind a remarkable legacy such that when I look back, I really can be proud of myself and the journey I had. I started by joining JCl and to be honest even after being inducted, I was still clueless about the organization. My adventure into politics was also quite similar, and in a way, joining JCl fuelled that goal. Everything in a way sort of relates to that single decision of joining JCl. I remember vividly that the first time I ever mounted a public speaking stage was also at a JCIN Ul public speaking competition. Going into details will be quite long, so I’ll just be direct. I joined JCI when i was in 200 level, that same level, I contested and emerged as the PRO of my department and it really was the beginning of a transformative journey. Resuming 300 level, I was also appointed as Director of Induction at JCIN Ul and trust me, it was a really chaotic year for me as I was deeply invested in so much extra curricular. I also contested that same year for the office of the PRO, Faculty of Arts, but I didn’t win. I went on to become Director of Content & Publicity in my final year and was also appointed as Chairperson of my faculty’s Help-Desk committee. I also became the Speech-Coach of the Faculty of Arts L&D. My experience in all of these leadership positions was a rollercoaster, many moments of ups and downs, but I really was never dettered or fazed. Even at moments where I wavered, I was lucky to have good friends and teammates that helped me navigate tough times. The peak moment of my experience on campus is probably when I mounted the Jaw War stage, it was at that moment that I realized how much I have grown and developed. From being a very timid and shy boy we could barely address a gathering of two to three persons to speaking at one of the biggest public speaking competitions in sub-saharan Africa. I have written an epistle….
AA: Balancing academics with extracurricular activities like JCl can be demanding. What strategies did you employ to manage your time and commitments effectively?
JO: First, I think the term ‘balance’ is actually vague and really can’t be achieved. So i’d say prioritizing what is most important at every point in time is essential. I didn’t have a particular strategy that I used, but I knew how and when to prioritize things. If I’m in class or doing a class related activity, every other thing at that point will not be prioritized and it’s the same when I’m doing other things that are not class or academic related. One must be able to weigh the cost and effect of every decision. Another thing is that I have a zeal for excellence, and it doesn’t matter what I do, I strive to ensure that I demonstrated excellence whether it was academics or not. Every single session, my CGPA continued to increase and got stronger, in fact, in my 300 level when I was most occupied, I did significantly better than I had done in every other level academically and still graduated top 5 in my class. One may not be able to completely strike a balance, but if you can set your priorities right and be ready to do twice as much work as ordinary students, you can excel both academically and in extracurricular activities. And it’s not just me, there are many examples of Jaycees that graduated in my set that fall under this category.
AA: Wow, I’m taking personal notes from this…. So, even though you’ve already answered this in a way; but for students who might be hesitant to join extracurriculars due to academic pressure, especially newly admitted students, what would you say to encourage them, drawing from your own experience with JCI?
JO: For fresh students, I totally understand them. I have been there before. From my experience in JCl, I can attest to the fact that the earlier you join the organization, the better for you. For clarity, it is only then that you really can significantly harness the opportunities the organization has to offer and get to have a full understanding of the organization. In a way, I still regret that I didn’t join the organization right from my first year. Of course, your academics is your top priority and primary responsibility as a student, particularly for fresh students who are still trying to find their feet on campus but the question is if you don’t want to be more than that. It is important that you excel and do well in your academics but also equally important that you gain real life experiences and get to participates in initiatives that can bring the best out of you, and doing that as early as possible will go a long way. The world has gone beyond just school and academic brilliance, you need skills to complement your academics which will enhance your personal growth and development.
AA: University life can be intense, and burnout is a real concern. What strategies did you find helpful in maintaining your wellbeing and avoiding burnout during your time as a student?
JO: Well, like they say, ‘all work and no play, makes jack a dull boy!’ Even if you don’t do anything else apart from studying, you’ll still experience burnout and be stressed. This is where having social interaction skills come to play. The University has so many cool spots where you can relax and take time off. Go out there, make friends, attend ‘’positive’ social events and activities.
AA: Speaking of relaxing and taking time off things, are there any resources or support systems you found particularly helpful in maintaining your wellbeing as a student?
JO: I’m tempted to say Nelfund…For support systems, I think there are two points of views, if your parents have what it takes to ensure that you have and get all you need for your well being, that’s fine. There’s also the angle of the student too. If you’ve got skills that can be monetized, that’s also very much cool and will go along way. There are grants and scholarships too. In my own case, I had the first two options so things were quite smooth.
AA: Alright, how did your involvement with JCIN Ul impact your overall university experience?
JO: Like I have mentioned earlier, practically everything that I did was influenced by the experience I had upon joining the organization. The quality of individuals, the ideals and structure that I met and are still in place in the organization inspired and really fuelled me to pursue other things. I can’t talk about about my experience in Ul, without mentioning JCIN Ul.
AA: Talking about your experience after Ul, are you still connected with the JCl network? And how has that continued to benefit you?
JO: Yes, yes, I am very much still involved and connected with the JCI Network and I don’t think that’ll ever change. Like I mentioned earlier, I work as the content and social media Lead for JCl Nigeria Collegiate presently, co-ordinating contents and posts for the collegiate structure. And beyond this, I have managed to network with jaycees from different local organizations at both collegiate and city structures. Also, I’m one of 80 participants of the 2025 ELV80 Mentorship program which has started since April and has been nothing short of impactful. These are some of the ways I still remain connected to the organization despite having graduated. The mentorship program is obviously one of the many benefits, as well the access to network with young enterprising leaders. I have gotten a number of recommendation to work on different projects and roles as a result of being connected to the organization and from people seeing what I do.
AA: Lastly, what are some of the key milestones you’ve achieved since graduation that you’re particularly proud of?
JO: Well, it’s been over two or three months now. I haven’t really done much aside from trying to figure out how to actualize my post graduate plans. I have also been able to bag two FULLY remote jobs, courtesy of recommendations through JCl and of course it’s a case of quality meeting opportunities and I don’t take it for granted. I also tried to put my public speaking skill to the test since finishing school by contesting in the JCl Nigeria Public speaking championship (southern conference edition) and I emerged as one of the top four finalists. That’s pretty much it for now. Hoping to do much more.
AA: Thank you so much for taking the time to you honour this impactul interview sir,
JO: You are welcome.