Nigerian students’ union leaders are having a great impact on UK higher education. Their visionary leadership, innovation, deep commitment to student representation, and cultural diversity continue to shape the higher education landscape in the UK. DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports.
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.
Read Also: APC settles for direct primary to pick Ondo Gov candidate
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.
