Interview with IDUMAH MARVELOUS, An Aspirant for the Position of the Vice President.

By Queen Adekunle

Interviewer: Kindly introduce yourself

Miss Marvelous: My name is Idumah Marvelous Oluwatobi, a 200-level student of the Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan.

I am currently aspiring for the position of NAPS Vice President.

Interviewer: What inspired you to run for that position?

Miss Marvelous: To me, NAPS is more than just a body of students. We are a body of possibilities. We study the human mind and understand the depth of its potential, so it should never be said that our own minds harbour impossibilities. I’m running because I want to show NAPSites that academic excellence and emotional stability can coexist.

And that every student, no matter who they are, can achieve both.

Interviewer: Do you think the current administration is not doing that?

Miss Marvelous: Not at all. I believe the current administration has done a commendable job in keeping NAPS active and progressive.

 I’m not here to replace what’s already working but to expand on it.

We all have our share and contribution to make, and this is mine.

Interviewer: What did they do or are they doing in this current administration that is not rightly done, I know you made mention of expanding what they are doing, but can you answer plainly. What do you think could have been done differently?

Miss Marvelous: Every administration has its strengths and areas for improvement, and I believe the current one has done a lot to keep activities running smoothly.

However, I feel that sometimes students don’t feel truly seen or heard beyond academics. I believe NAPS can be more intentional in building a supportive and inclusive space, and that’s exactly what I plan to expand and improve upon.

Interviewer: Alright, thank you. You made mention of having a mental health first aid team, what are the criterias for selecting these alumni, mature and experienced student?

Miss Marvelous: The main criteria will be empathy, maturity and a genuine passion for mental wellness.

 I'm not necessarily looking for professionals but people who can listen without judgement and offer thoughtful support.

 For the alumni, I’ll be selecting those who recently graduated from the department and have demonstrated strong emotional intelligence and leadership during their time in NAPS.

 For the students, I’ll focus on individuals who are known for their sense of responsibility, and willingness to help others.

interviewer: Great

So how do you plan on recruiting students who fit in this criteria

 In summary, it’s about creating a team that understands both the academic and emotional realities of being a NAPSite.

Miss Marvelous:The selection process will be based on personal recommendations.

 I plan to reach out to students who have shown the qualities I mentioned, those who their classmates or peers can vouch for.

 I’ll also consider individuals whose academic or leadership performance reflects discipline and commitment.

 I plan to personally reach out to them to share the vision behind the Mental Health First Aid Team and ask if they’d like to be part of it.

Interviewer: okay, How do you deal with a case whereby there is a breach of contract, on the part of the team?

Miss Marvelous: That's something I will take very seriously.

 If a breach occurs, it will be investigated throughly and if necessary, with the help of departmental management, as I plan to carry them along on this plan.

 Depending on the severity, the member involved will be immediately suspended or permanently removed from the team.

 However, beyond that, I also plan to hold periodic orientations for the team to remind them to maintain trust and confidentiality.

Interviewer: How do you then assure student again to trust the team again?

Miss Marvelous: Because trust is something to be earned, not demanded, I’ll take full responsibility as the team lead and make sure students see that the issue has been addressed and the member involved properly reprimanded.

 I’ll also be transparent by reminding students of the confidentiality agreement every member signed and the measures put in place to protect their privacy.

Interviewer: Alright, thank you

About the tutorial and giving rewards, how do you plan on regulating it, that students do not take it for granted and only answer questions because of what they will get and not making effort to know what the course is talking about deeply?

Miss Marvelous: That's a valid concern.

 To regulate that, the questions asked will be designed to test understanding, not just memorisation. 

So, whether you're aiming for reward or not, you'll still need to understand the concept to correctly answer the question.

Interviewer: That’s very nice. So, back to the mental health first aid. In a case where a person wants to meet physically to talk about the issue, will that be accommodated?

Miss Marvelous: Yes, of course, it can be accommodated.

If someone feels the need for it, we will make arrangements.

Interviewer: Alright

How do you ensure that this ideas do not just remain as ideas

Miss Marvelous: Each of my plans has a clear structure and will be implemented step by step for maximum results.

 For instance, I’ve already started reaching out to individuals who are fit to join the Mental Health Team, and some have gladly consented to be part of it.

Interviewer: Alright, thank you

And lastly, why did you use “The Torch” as the theme of your movement?

Miss Marvelous: “The Torch” represents a movement dedicated to uncovering the underlying issues that drain students’ academic brilliance and emotional well-being, bringing them to light and providing solutions.

Among my plans, the Mental Health Team embodies this mission the most. Because true academic excellence begins not with exams or studying, but with a healthy mind and resilient mentality.

 In short, the Torch is about revealing and addressing the emotional barriers that have kept us in the dark.

Interviewer: Alright. That is really great

Thank you so much for your time.