Nigerian emerges student union president at UK varsity

A Nigerian, Jeremiah Fasipe, has emerged as the President of the Students’ Union at Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom.

According to a statement released by the Representation and Democracy Team, the body that organised the election, Fasipe, who is currently a postgraduate student of Public Relations and Crisis Management, defeated five other candidates with 792 votes and was declared the winner.

Fasipe, also the winner of the Inspirational Individual Award became the 30th president of the university’s SUG.

Speaking with our correspondent on his victory, Fasipe said hard work, resilience and determination saw him through, noting that he has always believed in himself and viewed the victory as a dream come true.

He noted that his emergence as the president was a step toward greater accomplishments, saying that he would use his position to bring about positive change while promoting the image of Nigeria abroad.

He said that he is ready to foster the relationship between the students’ union and the university to improve students’ engagement, academic performance and experience.

“I am so euphoric. This is the result of hard work and determination. I have always dreamt of a day like this and I can’t thank God enough for making me witness this milestone.

“I want to seize this opportunity to improve students’ academic life at Sheffield Hallam University, making sure that students are well represented in every decision regarding their academic needs and uphold all the mandates upon which I am elected,” he assured.

He, however, encouraged the students not to give up on their dreams, but aspire for greatness, saying that experience may not be enough in some cases, but belief and determination should be strength.

He continued, “Despite my growing up in penury, in Kirikiri town, Lagos, Nigeria, I never allowed uncontrollable circumstances to make me relinquish my dreams.

“I want to use this occasion to thank and appreciate all and sundry for their support and encouragement. I wouldn’t have gone this far without them.”