Damola Kola-Dare
The transformative impact of Nigerian students’ union leaders on UK higher education is profound and impressive. Their visionary leadership, deep commitment to student representation, innovation, and cultural diversity continue to shape the higher education landscape in the UK, DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports for The Nation:
Nigerians are known to pull their weight and have impact anywhere they find themselves. Hence, they compete favourably with their counterparts around the world and leave lasting legacies worthy of emulation. This underscores why Nigerian students’ union leaders in the diaspora are transforming the fabric of UK higher education through leadership roles in their respective students’ unions.
Blessed with resilience, a rich cultural heritage, and a visionary approach to leadership, these students are carving out new paths in student governance and community engagement across UK universities. Their journey from the vibrant classrooms of Nigeria to the UK is nothing short of inspirational. It shows their determination and a clear demonstration of the universal appeal and effectiveness of inclusive, innovative leadership.
Through their stewardship, these Nigerian students’ union leaders are not just filling positions; they are spearheading ground-breaking initiatives, driving innovative projects, and advocating robustly for the enhancement of the student experience across their respective universities in the United Kingdom. They are champions of sustainability, amplifiers of student voices, and pioneers of innovation. Their efforts are enriching the student community, encouraging diversity, inclusivity, and cultural richness into UK higher education.
From leading sustainability initiatives that align with global environmental goals to fostering a culture of responsibility and action among the student body, these leaders are at the forefront of championing a sustainable future. Their commitment is evident in initiatives like “Plant a Tree, Save Our Planet” and campaigns for divestment from fossil fuels and arms manufacturing. Such efforts promotes environmental consciousness and the broader societal shift towards green initiatives.
Central to their leadership ethos is an unwavering dedication to amplifying student voices. Through innovative platforms and forums, they ensure every student is heard and their concerns are addressed. The establishment of student parliaments and advocacy for inclusive policies are just a few examples of their commitment to transcending the boundaries of their campuses and influencing broader educational policies and practices.
They are reimagining the student experience through innovation, from employability workshops to mental health campaigns and cultural festivals. They are creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and engage, enhancing the academic journey and preparing students for the challenges of the global marketplace.
At the heart of their leadership is a profound appreciation for cultural diversity and heritage. Through events like “One RGU, Many Nations” and the Black History Year Campaign, they celebrate the diverse cultures within the student community, fostering a sense of belonging, inclusivity, and unity.
As they continue to break new grounds, their legacies will no doubt inspire future generations of leaders, within the UK and globally, to pursue excellence, change, and champion the cause of student empowerment and community engagement.
Uchenna Victor Moses
He is President, Bolton Students’ Union; University Governor and Trustee, Bolton Students’ Union at the University of Bolton, UK. He stands out as a paradigm of visionary leadership in the UK’s higher education sector. As President of the University of Bolton’s Students’ Union, he has initiated an era of dynamic growth, inclusivity, and innovation. With a rich background as a Biochemist (Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi), Uchenna’s leadership journey from CEES Assist Resources in Abuja to the University of Bolton is a testament to his commitment to student advocacy and campus transformation.
Uchenna’s leadership is marked by ground breaking initiatives that have significantly elevated the student experience. His establishment of the Student Parliament exemplifies his dedication to fostering democratic ethos and ensuring that student voices resonate within the academic community. The Bolton Leadership Conference, a pioneering event he organised, bridged academia with industry insights, featuring key stakeholders like the Vice Chancellor, Prof. George E. Holmes, and prominent figures from the government and industry sectors. This event, along with the strategic “Navigating the UK as an International Student” seminar featuring Toyyib Adewale Adelodun a renowned Life Coach and the memorable trip to the UK Parliament, underscored his commitment to broadening student horizons.
His environmental campaign, “My Environment and I,” and the landmark Graduate Jobs Campaign, highlighted by an educational journey to the EU Parliament in Brussels, demonstrate his passion for sustainability and career development. He has been featured on the Guardian, Bolton News, UK radio and podcasts for his achievements.
His leadership journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for future leaders, emphasising the power of dedication, innovation, and service in achieving communal and individual success.
Seun Seidu
He is Vice President/ Business Technology and Engineering College Officer and Member of Board of Trustees of Sheffield Hallam University.
Seidu is a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Ibadan(UI). His flair for advocacy and representation was evident all through his time in UI where he served as project lead then later the President of Enactus UI where he was able to raise and mentor many high-flying individuals while at the same time serving as the brand ambassador for Unilever.
Outside of work, he volunteered for Lagos Food Bank Initiative where he continued his altruistic endeavours.
In 2022, he moved to the United Kingdom to pursue a Master’s in Food and Nutritional Sciences at Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, where he took on the responsibility of being a course rep from his first day in class.
He continues student advocacy earning him the Student Voice Award nominations for two years in a row, 2023 and 2024 and winning the award on both occasions at the university’s organised inspirational student award. He currently holds the Bronze, Silver and Gold Hallam awards.
He made sure Muslim students got enough time to pray on Fridays by the means of timetable adjustment and lobbying with the university. He ended up with getting them a bigger praying space to accommodate more Muslim faithful and giving them the avenue to observe their faith and further foster the inclusivity of the university, this he did, while not being a Muslim himself.
Seidu pioneered the first ever course rep social in the university while getting it funded by the university in a bid to appreciate the reps as the fore runners of student voice and advocacy.
He also built a community of student advocates, while ensuring that courses are redeveloped with the students in mind .
He conducted the first ever student union officer Degree Apprenticeship outreach to the degree apprenticeship students within his college and gathered valuable feedback which he developed in a paper that was shared across the university to celebrate the national Apprenticeship week.
His dedication to amplifying the voices of his peers and advocating for inclusivity for Muslim students has been exemplary. His commitment to student welfare and academic excellence shines through and is worthy of emulation.
Oluwatoyin Bolajoko
The Student President, Education and Welfare of Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen,got to the UK in 2022 for a Master’s programme in International Marketing. Oluwatoyin graduated top of her class with a distinction which was reason enough for her to launch a successful international career in the UK. She decided instead to dedicate a full year towards giving back to the student community at RGU by running in the student elections which she won in a landslide.
She advocated for a review of policies that affected students’ academic progression and reassessment periods. This was successful and led to the reinstatement of some international students who were due to lose their student status due to the previous policy. Collaborating closely with student representatives and school officers, she gathered feedback on various aspects of student life and directed it to relevant stakeholders, facilitating tangible solutions.
To combat food poverty; one of the leading effects of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, in partnership with the union and an external foodbank, she launched three new initiatives (Supper Club, Food parcel collection, and Pizza and Paint) offering students free meals and emergency food parcels thrice weekly—a significant enhancement from the previous once-a-week provision.
In her pursuit of an inclusive, equitable student community, she recruited and empowered Equality Champions—student volunteers advocating for misrepresented and underrepresented needs. Through these champions, she established networks supporting student-parents and those with disabilities. Additionally, she advanced an initiative to create a Quiet Room on campus for Neurodiverse students, addressing a longstanding need.
The core of her purpose is the welfare and growth of the students she represents. She was, therefore, willing to act with tact and diplomacy to deliver on her promise of a pleasant student experience at RGU. Leadership to her is about the people she has cultivated and inspired to be the best versions of themselves.
As her tenure draws to a close, she remains committed to seeking opportunities for leadership and service in her future endeavours across corporate, governmental, and non-governmental spheres.
Awesome Damilola Olasope
The Student Union President of London Metropolitan University attended Ekiti State University(EKSU), where he bagged a degree in Political Science. He went to the UK for a Master’s in Data Analytics.
He is passionate about social justice and equality. He has worked with various radio stations, raising awareness on important issues such as human rights, domestic abuse, equality and diversity. His advocacy work has earned him recognition, including the Social Merit Award for Excellence and the Young Achievers Award for Excellence in Community Service.
Awesome joined the Board of Governors as Student Governor in June 2023. He championed the “Home Away from Home Campaign,” aimed at fostering a sense of belonging for international students during significant occasions such as Christmas, Easter, and Eid. He pioneered the Food Bank Project on campus to support students facing food insecurity, addressing a critical need within the student community while also engaging with various university departments to organise inclusive events, enhancing the overall student experience.
He also partnered with the Careers and Employability Services to expand employment, volunteering, and internship opportunities for students, ensuring they could secure graduate-level positions upon completing their degrees.
He successfully negotiated with the university’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to secure London Met hoodies, not only generating income for the Student Union but also enhancing the students’ sense of belonging. This marked the first income-generating project undertaken by the student body in the past 10 years.
Positioned within the sphere of transferring knowledge, he is dedicated to contributing to the growth and development of his local community and, on a broader scale, Africa as a whole.
Ebenezer Aniemeka Chiagozia
He is the Student Union President, University of Hull.
He attended University of Lagos(UNILAG) where he earned first degree and Ajayi Crowther University for his Master of Business Administration with a focus on Management. However, Ebenezer’s thirst for knowledge and ambition didn’t stop there; he ventured to the United Kingdom to study marketing management. Driven by his passion for learning, Ebenezer seized the opportunity to become the Student Union President at the University of Hull. In addition to this prestigious role, he serves on the board of trustees and various committees within the university and the Student Union.
He played a pivotal role in coordinating activities within the Sports Club Athletic Union, advocating for sports funding, and fostering collaboration between the university and sports clubs. Moreover, his efforts in promoting volunteering have led to increased student engagement in volunteering initiatives, benefitting both the community and the students involved.
Recognising the importance of career development, Ebenezer has organised career workshops in collaboration with the university’s career team, assisting students in finding their career paths and securing employment opportunities. He remains actively involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing students’ prospects.
Michael Tosin Adewunmi
He is President, Education at Teesside University.
Michael’s journey towards social development and advocacy began long before he left Nigeria. He has a passion for human rights and community welfare. Raised in Yaba, Lagos, Michael studied Sociology at Tai Solarin University of Education. He is a staunch advocate for gender equality, inclusivity, and diversity.
Michael’s dedication to social development and his commitment to advocacy have left a lasting impact on communities in Nigeria and abroad.
Last August, he embarked on a significant initiative to collaborate with the Mayor of Middlesbrough to address pressing issues affecting students, particularly in housing, part-time job opportunities, and enhanced security measures.
His enthusiasm for positive impact and humane contributions to the university will remain indelible.
Uchechi Agbaraji
As Student President and Chair of the Board of University of the West of Scotland, Agbaraji relished the opportunity to serve a student body of over 25,000. Her leadership was committed to elevating student voices, advocating liberation groups, and nurturing a culture of inclusivity and active participation within the academic community.
As Chair of the Union Board, she was instrumental in ensuring that student perspectives were integral to the university’s administrative decision-making processes.
She prioritised enhancing student engagement by providing opportunities for involvement beyond the classroom.
The student union’s recognition as the Scotland Student Union of the Year and the receipt of the Student Partnerships in Quality Scotland (SPARQS) Student Partnership Award are testaments to the initiatives that fostered a supportive and inclusive environment. These accolades affirm her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and student engagement, which have enriched the university experience for all.
Kolawole Samuel Olure
The Student Union President of University of The West Of England(UWE), Kolawole Samuel Olure is an advocate for positive social change and community empowerment.
He bagged a Bchelor’s degree in Animal Science at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
He went for a Master of Science in Environmental Health at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol. His commitment to leadership and service led him to serve as the Student Union President at UWE, which he held for two terms.
Kolawole is committed to amplifying the voices of diverse student body, ensuring that every student feels heard, valued, and supported. One of his achievements has been fostering inclusivity and organising initiatives such as employability events to assist students.
Beyond his academic and leadership pursuits, he served as councillor at Stoke Park and Cheswick Parish Council in Bristol, where he actively contributes to local governance and community development initiatives.
In recognition of his commitment to community empowerment and social justice, he was appointed as an Advisory Board Member for the One City Living Rent Commission by the Bristol City Council, where he collaborated with stakeholders to explore solutions for affordable living and tenant rights in the private rented sector.
He remains committed to amplify student voices and addressing critical issues.
Oluwafunbi Babatunde is Vice President, Community and Welfare University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union, Bisola Olatunji is President of the union, Opeyemi Adeyemi is Vice President Diversity, while Yetunde Adedipe is Vice President, Academic.
The University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union (UWSU) showcases their exceptional leadership and commitment.
Olatunji holds a Master’s in Occupational Psychology and International Master’s in Business Administration, with a vision for a students union that not only advocates student rights, but also prepares them for global challenges.
Babatunde, a Master’s in Finance and Accounting student, ensures that students’ well-being and community engagement are at the forefront of UWSU’s agenda.
Adedipe, who graduated with a BSc in Business and Finance, advocates academic excellence and support.
Adeyemi has a Master’s in Occupational Psychology. He is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, equality and inclusion in the university.
These four leaders exemplify the power of diverse leadership and the impact it can have on a university community.
Rachael Okoh Enumah
She is Vice President Welfare at Strathclyde Students’ Union at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
She is a Master’s student in architecture with interest in leadership. For three years, she served as a House of Representative member in the student association while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in architecture at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
During her tenure, the educational system in the United Kingdom was challenged. It was post-COVID, and the school system was experiencing significant budgetary pressures. Consequently, students’ mental health suffered considerably, and there was an implementation of government policies that were unfavourable to international students.
She founded the Strath Union Creative Hub; which provided a platform for students with creative abilities like music, artistic skills, and dance to collaborate in events while fostering a healthy environment for socialising, building value-centred relationships and supporting one another.
Also, as the secretary of the Glasgow Student Forum, she worked with other student officers on a campaign to extend the council tax exemption for Glasgow students by three months to help them plan during the cost-of-living crisis.
Rotimi Olorunfemi
He is President, Community and Activities of University of Bradford.
He is graduate of Computer Science from Bowen University Iwo and a Master’s holder in Computer Science from Obafemi Awolowo University. His journey began during his university days, where he assumed various leadership roles aimed at positively impacting student lives.
A resident of Bradford, United Kingdom, Olorunfemi champions equality, diversity, and inclusion, viewing humanity as the paramount religion.
He championed vital causes such as women’s safety and combating racial discrimination within minority groups, forging partnerships with key stakeholders like the West Yorkshire Police to effect meaningful change.
He is a staunch advocate for mental healthstudents.
Through exemplary leadership and a warm demeanour, he has impacted the university community, while empowering students to reach their potential.
Raji Ibrahim Bamidele
Raji Ibrahim Bamidele is President of Union Development at Hull University Students’ Union (HUSU).
Bamidele attended the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB). He is a recent MSc graduate of Logistics and Supply Management from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom.
He served as a Course Representative, Councilor of Scrutiny, Library Volunteer, among others, since joining the University of Hull before competing to become the President of Union Development in an epic election.
He demonstrated dedication to resolving the challenges and negative experiences encountered by students in securing and maintaining accommodation. Through strategic partnerships with the Humber Landlords Association and Hull City Council, Bamidele spearheaded initiatives aimed at addressing issues such as arbitrary rent hikes and inadequate repair and maintenance services.
Raji’s commitment to promoting sustainability within the Students’ Union and the university earned him a prominent role on the university’s sustainability board.
Fortune Oscar Sampson
Fortune Oscar Sampson is Deputy President, City Students’ Union at the City University of London.
He attended University of Calabar where he became the Director of Information Nigerian Economics Students’ Association University of Calabar Chapter.
Fortune’s tenure as Deputy President has been marked by transformative initiatives. He organised a rich tapestry of activities for Black History Month, including a novel sports competition between students and staff member, an exhibition celebrating the cultural heritage of the black community, among others.
His leadership was instrumental to the city’s commitment to the mental health charter. Also, he pioneered payment plans to alleviate the financial burden on students from deprived backgrounds.
His strategic partnership with Girls Are Investors (GAINS) empowered female students through financial enlightenment programmes.
He is spearheading the establishment of a hate crimes reporting centre and has campaigned for the reimbursement of visa application fees and health surcharges for international student union officers.
Fortune’s initiatives are not just projects but are also catalysts for change, fostering a culture of empowerment, inclusivity, and academic excellence.
His forward-thinking approach and dedication to students’ welfare have enriched his fellow students.
Olwafemi Zacchaeus Abolade
He is the President Welfare/Wellbeing at Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom.
Before leaving Nigeria, Femi held leadership positions in the Environmental Health Association and the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), where he served in various roles for 13 years and assisted fellow practitioners.
As the first President of the SU of African origin, he was instrumental in shaping the Teesside University Students Union’s Diversity and Inclusion policies, and working with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team of the university.
He negotiated with the university alongside the President Education, to help students at a time most international students were encumbered with tuition fee payment.
He also championed campaigns for student safety, free period products in toilets for female students, sexual health, and a weekly mental health session called Students Supporting Students, which served over 350 students over a two-year period.
Oluwafemi will be known for his support and fairness to everyone, his integrity in the face of adversity, his courage in the face of despair, his modest approach to difficulties, and, without a doubt, his selflessness and dedication to his main objective, which is student representation.
Bobola Ajibola
He is Welfare and Diversity Officer at University of Gloucestershire.
His journey in student leadership and advocacy has been marked by a pursuit of enhancing the student experience and ensuring equitable representation for all.
Bobola’s tenure has been marked by initiatives aimed at enhancing student welfare and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion.
His initiatives have ranged from organising vibrant events such as Diversity Night 1:0 and 2:0 to facilitating platforms like Harmony Unleashed: Students Talent Day, and Black History Month.
Kamil Lawal
He is the President of Education at York St. John University.
Driven by a passion for social justice and community engagement, Kamil has been involved in grassroots initiatives.
Upon his relocation to the UK, Kamil made history as the first student from a satellite campus (London) to win a Student Union presidential role, as well as the first black, male, mature student to hold the position of President of Education in the SU’s history.
By introducing training, he facilitated improved collaboration between course representatives and school chairs, fostering a more cohesive and effective representation system.
In alignment with his commitment to promoting ethical AI use and diversity, Kamil collaborated with the university to develop a comprehensive guide on artificial intelligence. This initiative aimed to aid students in understanding the ethical implications of AI usage while working towards creating an inclusive and diverse curriculum representative of all student populations.
Patricia Nkem Innocent
She is Student President of Communication and Democracy at Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen. Patricia is a native of Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State who earned a degree in Botany from the University of Calabar, Cross River State.
Progressing to RGU for her Master’s degree, she has held leadership roles such as Class Representative and Nigerian Students’ Society President, alongside volunteering as a Welcome Buddy among other volunteering roles. In March 2023, Patricia was elected as Student President of Communication and Democracy at the Students’ Union and sits as a Governor, on the university’s Board of Governors.
As President, she promotes activities that benefit students’ social well-being on campus. To accomplish and improve the goal of a thriving campus, she collaborates with societies, communities, and networks.
Being an international student herself and with a desire to promote cultural diveristy, Patricia planned and executed an annual event called One RGU Many Nations, where hundreds of students represented their different cultures by showcasing their traditional meals, dance, and attires.
As a public health and health promotion enthusiast, Patricia organises social events such as trips, festivals and parties which promote mental health and wellbeing of students, foster good relationships and provide networking opportunities for the students.
Owing to her love for country and humanity, she began the initiative ‘This is Nature. Period,’ to support and educate young girls in Nigeria, on menstrual hygiene and sexual health.
The International Women’s Day 2024 saw two hundred and twenty seven (227) girls in different parts of Nigeria including Warri, Abuja and Port Harcourt benefitting as Patricia distributed free pads that would sustain each of the girls for a minimum of three to four months through her ‘This is Nature. Period’ Campaign.
Throughout her studies, Patricia cheerfully volunteered in various roles within and outside of her university to positively impact humanity.
Culled from The Nation.
