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
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.
