My name is OKUCHUKWU CHUKWUKA EROMOSELE. I am presently a postgraduate student of the University of Derby studying Information Technology at Master’s Degree level. I am a PAUL HARRIS FELLOW and a member of the ROTARY CLUB INTERNATIONAL. In the wake of the surge of the COVID-19 Pandemic, through the rotary foundation, I contributed $1,000 USD to support humanity. Also, I am a trained Librarian with 10 years Administrative and postgraduate experience in the Public and Private sectors.
During my undergraduate degree days, I was actively involved in student unionism and I understand the rules of engagement.
I have nominated myself at this very worrying time in global history when the pandemic has disrupted all sectors of the global economy with a devastating impact on international Education.
It beats me that the last one year has never been the same for all of us and even the university. University life has been greatly reduced that our lecture halls have become empty spaces, university halls of residence which used to be the home of socialization have been deserted and a great number of students have returned home.
In fact, in a six-room apartment at the PEAK COURT UNIVERSITY ACCOMODATION, I am the only occupant left in the middle of loneliness and so also is the case of so many others in their various halls of residence and flats.
It is true that we must keep safe by adhering to safety rules in line with the UK National protocol on COVID, but also it is an undeniable fact that life must continue in the midst of the restrictions.
As we continue to maintain safety rules and adhere to National protocols, it is important to produce results for our educational plans and pursuit. Hence, there is an emergency need to elect people of value that will be capable of helping the student community to cushion the harsh realities that the pandemic has brought.
I am of the school of thought that students can stay away from campus, staying safe wherever they are and still feel the huge transformation of what university education offers. I am bringing to every student a brand new union, a union that recognises and care for you, a union that allows your voice to be heard irrespective of what you are and what you think about yourself.
In achieving my plans for all students and a better union, my key focus will be on SEVEN (7) grey areas which are:
- STUDENT MONEY (Grants, Loans and Bursary): I and my team will pay special attention to student finance by creating a help desk that will help students to easily assess grants, loans and bursaries like: Undergraduate & Postgraduate student finance, Adult dependant’s grants, Doctoral grants, Dance and drama award funding for students, NHS bursaries, Disable students allowances, Postgraduate scholarship for international students, extra money to pay for university and a lots more as it relates to students and finance.
- ONLINE LESSONS & STUDY PLAN: I and my team will develop a platform that will allow every student a space to understand the university online learning system and help plan their studies in achieving their academic goals and pursuit.
- STUDENT WELLBEING & MENTAL HEALTH: I understand that studying could take a frustrating dimension most times particularly now that face to face lectures no longer exist. As such, I together with my team will establish an action which will be called the "WELL BEING WEDNESDAY" that will address the overall well being of students and mental health. We will bring together a team of professionals and also create emergency telephone lines which will allow students the right to express any difficulty with a view to finding lasting solutions and when the National restrictions are over, students will have a chance to walk into any of our "WELL BEING WEDNESDAY CENTRES" on a weekly basis and share a cup of coffee over personal worries or concerns.
- AN INTERACTIVE MOBILE APPLICATION: I intend to bring together very knowledgeable students in the field of Information Technology and any one who is highly skilled in the use of computer technology to work on an interactive mobile application that will allow students of the university to socialize and interact freely online with one another without any limitation.
- CREATE STUDENT FEEDBACK SYSTEM: Provide a system that will allow students the opportunity to make significant contributions on policy matters and in turn actively engage the university management when necessary.
- UPHOLDING DISABILITY AND EQUALITY: As student Union President, I will promote equality among all students and strengthen the University/Union Policies and procedures of ensuring that all students are fairly treated and have access to equal opportunities.
- ACADEMIC REPRESENTATION: I will closely work with the the Vice President in charge of Education in ensuring that the over 500 Programme and college representatives are actively engaged in the running of the union to ensure a proper and full representation of programmes and colleges.
I promise to sustain and greatly improve on the achievements of my predecessors and also widely consult on matters that affect students welfare.
My overall dream and desire is to bring my experience as an International Student to sustain and further strengthen the multi-cultural beauty that exist among students in the university.
I wish to appeal to all well-meaning students of the University of Derby to support me in becoming the President of the student Union, so that together we can jointly make the required change that will bring our university to the topmost top position of a university providing the conducive atmosphere for students to excel despite a global pandemic.
OKUCHUKWU EROMOSELE CHUKWUKA