AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CURRENT MR NAPS

By Victoria Bisola Adeusi

PRESSMAN: Can we have a brief introduction?

MR. TOLU: My name is Toluwani Ojo, a 200-level psychology student. I’m 5’9 and my hobbies include listening to music and drawing. I’m also the current Mr. Naps of the association.

PRESSMAN: Can you share with us why you contested for the position?

MR. TOLU: I contested for the position to know what it entailed. I pictured what it looks like to be Mr. Naps and I went for it, to make what I pictured come true.

PRESSMAN: What were the challenges?

MR. TOLU: The case of opposition was not a problem for me back then because I was the only male contestant, so I had no opponent. What seemed to be a problem back then was the training I went through. A tutor was assigned to train us and he was to tutor us on how we ought to behave, and how we should be portrayed as a contestant. The tutor trained me on some things like how I ought to walk, speak, and a lot more. That was the only challenge I had back then because then I was a very shy person yet I had to appear bold on the stage.

PRESSMAN: What has the experience been like?

MR. TOLU: The experience has been good so far. I don't just want to be a figurehead person so I have been walking towards filling the gap. I joined the social committee as an unofficial member and also joined the academic committee of the department to tutor the freshers.

PRESSMAN: 'Mr. Naps' is it just a title or are responsibilities also attached to it?

MR. TOLU: There are responsibilities attached to the title Mr. Naps and the major part of it is being a ceremonial head. I bearing Mr. Naps have to be present in all social events organized by the department. It is my responsibility because I am the face of the department. I also plan to add to my responsibility as Mr. Naps.

PRESSMAN: What are the benefits you have gotten from the position, Mr. Naps. ? how has it added to you?

MR. TOLU: The position has added to me in many ways. Starting with the training I passed through when preparing for the contest. The training inculcated in me some features and also improved me in some areas. Speaking of exposure, this office has exposed me to a lot of things, and benefits and opportunities are also attached to it. It also helped build my self-consciousness in the sense that I see myself as a representative of the department and this shapes how I present myself to others.

PRESSMAN: Aside from this position and your academics, are there any other activities you are engaged in? If there ?s, how do you manage to balance everything?

MR. TOLU:?Yes, I am a part-time part-time signer and I am also into video editing. Time management is the key to excelling in activities you are involved in. If you don't know how to manage your time then you are losing it all. I have this understanding that I am a student first before any other responsibilities. Then I even had to put a stop to my fashion designing work to be effective in my academics. I place priority on my academics and then other things follow because I am at the University of Ibadan first to be a student but at the same time, I can't neglect my responsibility to my social life and also to my department, so what I do is to plan well.

PRESSMAN: Are there any disadvantages, any difficulties attached to the title of Mr. NAPS?

MR. TOLU: Well, I do not see any disadvantages attached to the title. It has never placed me at any disadvantage but speaking of difficulties, attending meetings can be time-consuming but then it is my responsibility to show up at every meeting.

PRESSMAN: You being an important figure in the department, can you give a brief description of what the department is about

MR. TOLU: Psychology is a course that deals with an empirical study of behavior. In this department, students are open to knowledge that will aid their analyses of behavior. I have learned a lot as a student of psychology and I am still learning and I still want to explore more into it more.

PRESSMAN: As Mr. Naps, you definitely have fans who cherish you and I want to believe that from these fans there are ladies that will be crushing on you. What do you have to say to such ladies, should they keep their hope alive or you are taken?

MR. TOLU: In my relationship, everyone is allowed to have their conclusion on it. If they think I am taken, then I am taken and if they think I am single, then I am single.

PRESSMAN: Aside from the position Mr. Naps, do you still have interest in any other pageant, like Mr. FATSSA, Mr. UI?

MR. TOLU: I love the fact that I am Mr. Naps but then, I can't go for any other pageant again.

PRESSMAN: How do you feel towards the upcoming dinner night, the very day you will hand over the position?

MR. TOLU: I feel positive about it and look forward to the day. I have done my responsibility in the office; I will gladly hand it over to the upcoming Mr. Naps.

PRESSMAN: If you are opportune to take up the position once again, will you pick it up?

MR. TOLU: No, not because the position has been a burden but because I don't want to go again.

PRESSMAN: What do you have to say to your fans?

MR. TOLU: The reason you are in UI comes first before any other thing, stay focused on your purpose here. you might not be looking up to first class but you are not expected to set for less as well. Give your parents a reason to be proud of you, and strive to succeed in UI

PRESSMAN: What do you have to say to the people aspiring for the position of Mr. Naps?

MR. TOLU: Do what you can do and do it right, be a good example for the upcoming ones.