How OAU Student Used the Medical School Strike Break to Publish His First Book

Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel

During the recent strike that halted academic activities at the College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), one student turned the challenge into an opportunity for success. In an exclusive interview with an OAU Kilonshele News Agency correspondent, Osuntoye Sunday Damilare, a 600-level medical student, shared how he made the most of the two-month industrial action to write and publish his first book, An Epistle to Medical Students: Making the Most of the Long Years.

The strike began in early February 2025 and lasted over two months. It was caused by a dispute between the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the university management regarding the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for clinical lecturers. While many students expressed frustration over the disruption to their academic calendar, Osuntoye saw the strike as an unexpected window to focus on a long-held dream.

Osuntoye, who is studying medicine and surgery at the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, explained that the inspiration to write and publish the book came from God. “The inspiration actually came from God, which I received on January 30th, 2025,” he revealed, noting that this was around the same time the strike was announced.

Osuntoye described the book as a guide and encouragement to fellow medical students, helping them navigate the long and often challenging years of medical training. “This is my first book, and I had mixed feelings about publishing it. I was excited because I saw it as a way to reach out to my fellow students, but I was also scared since it was my first time doing something like this,” he said.

Writing the book was not without its challenges. Osuntoye shared that he faced several obstacles along the way, including financial difficulties that prevented him from hiring a professional editor. “I had to edit the book myself because I did not have enough funds to pay for editing,” he said.

Additionally, he encountered moments of uncertainty and sought clarity through fasting and prayer. “Sometimes I had to fast and pray to God to get enough clarity,” he added. Time management was another hurdle, as he had set specific targets to complete the book within the strike period.

Despite these challenges, Osuntoye was able to balance his academic responsibilities with the writing process because the strike had temporarily suspended classes. “Since it was during the break, I was not really choked with balancing academics and book writing. I was intentional about it, and God was also intentional about the book,” he said.

Osuntoye expressed his ambition to publish more books in the future. “I am not making this the only book that I will publish. I have other books I want to write and release as time goes on,” he said.

Osuntoye also offered advice to other students who may want to pursue similar goals but feel they are not ready or sufficient enough. “My advice is that they should start. So far they can dream it, then they can accomplish it. They should also rely on God to help them,” he said.

Recall, OAU Kilonshele News Agency reported that on April 23, 2025, at the College of Health Sciences, Sunday Osuntoye launched his first book during a special event that also included a symposium and his birthday celebration.