Why UI organised training for food vendors – VC

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale has explained the rationale behind the workshop organised for food vendors operating within the institution’s campus.

He said the institution values the good health and well-being of its staff members, hence the need to empower the food vendors with training.

The one-day workshop held recently was organised by the University of Ibadan Health Service (UHS), in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Health.

While declaring the event open, the VC who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju, said, “The University Management appreciates the value of good health and staff wellbeing, and this was why every needed support was given to the UHS to organise the workshop.”

Also speaking at the event, UHS Director, Dr. Aderonke Ajav stated that the event is aimed at commencing “an institutional journey to increase the health levels of all members of the University community by supporting one another to better recognize and intentionally shun bad practices and imbibe best practices.”

She recalled that a few years ago, the UHS conducted training for food vendors, but the effort was not sustained.

According to her, the expected outcome of the training is that food vendors would be in a better position to cater for and satisfy different categories of food needs, including those of minority groups.

“The programme would make UI the hub for training of food vendors and empower the society at large to correctly and adequately address current and emerging issues in food safety and hygiene,” she added.

Participants at the workshop included commercial food vendors/handlers on campus, health commissioners of the various halls of residence, faculty presidents of student associations, Hall Wardens, Wellness Officers, representatives of religious bodies and staff unions, members of the Abadina Community, organic farmers, and the team from the Schools Health Unit, Ministry of Health, Oyo State.

Lectures/talks delivered included: Necessity of Healthy Eating and Consequences of Unhealthy Eating Habits by Nutritionist/Registered Dietitian/Chief Nursing Officer, Bosede O. Adebayo-Oke; Right Use of Fruits and Vegetables by Nutritionist Morenike Okeya; Availability and Advantages of Organic Products by Professor O. O. Adeoluwa, an expert in organic production and utilisation; Food Biosecurity and Biosafety by Dr A. O. Ogunleye, Department of Veterinary Microbiology; Training and Health Check for Food Vendors by Mrs Folasade Oladele, Head of School Health Unit, Oyo State Ministry of Health; and Health checks were conducted for participants.