Published: 14 December 2023
We follow the journey of our University of Sunderland in London (UoSiL) Students’ Union President. We speak to Oluwatosin Solarin about her truly international education journey, her motivations, and the Students’ Union’s plans for the year ahead.
For our students, many of whom have come to London from overseas, the draws and benefits of an international education are clear. For Students’ Union President Oluwatosin (Tosin) Solarin, her “international outlook” has driven her educational journey from Nigeria, to Ukraine and the UK.
When Tosin left her native Lagos state, Nigeria, in 2015 to study for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Kharkiv Medical University, her desire was to get a “whole new experience” - something which Ukraine certainly offered. Looking back fondly at her time in the country, Tosin explains how much of an enriching experience it was. There were culture shocks of course, along with the challenge of learning Ukrainian and Russian, and having to adjust to the harsh winter temperatures, but there was a large African community on hand for support.
In 2022, the next stage of Tosin’s international education journey brought her to the UK and to the our university to complete an MSc in Public Health. Tosin explains how the excellent teaching and support from academics, such as Dr Geeta Hitch, made for a truly enjoyable and valuable learning experience. For Tosin, the small size of the university was also a real plus, with it being much easier for students and staff to interact and to “build a community”.
It was during her initial weeks studying in London when she first interacted with the Students’ Union, when Amie Hammond (SU Student Experience Manager) provided Tosin with prompt support regarding an important administrative issue. Always wanting to “get the best out of an experience”, Tosin then got involved in volunteering through the Students’ Union and worked with former president, Victoria Ayedofe, on the establishment of the Nigerian Society at UoSiL – with “community and interaction” being key motivations for Tosin.
Through the volunteering, Tosin built up substantial experience in providing advice, support, and guidance to fellow students and could showcase multiple successes stories. When the opportunity for the president role came up, it provided Tosin with the opportunity to make a positive difference on a broader platform – “I was really motivated to make an impact”, as Tosin explains.
After an intense, competitive but enjoyable campaign, Tosin was elected in March and began her term as Students’ Union President full-time in August this year. Tosin has found the role fun and fulfilling so far, and she has worked to quickly gain insight - by meeting with people across the London and Sunderland campuses, including a recent meeting with Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell. Tosin explains, very positively, how there is a real desire from university staff to collaborate with the Students’ Union and to enhance the working relationship.
Looking to the year ahead, Tosin explains that she, Amie, and Dan Fow (Head of London Operations) will be working to “actively and positively influence change for students” and look forward to seeing the Union’s programme of actions making a real difference.
These actions including collaboration on finalising the development of the improved catering offer on campus - including the food being “as diverse as our student population”, expanding the programme of cultural and celebratory events such as International Men’s and Women’s Days, and student workshops on topics such as digital skills. For Tosin, who has ambitions to become a psychiatrist, supporting student wellbeing will also be a key focus.
There will be challenges of course, and, for somebody who is so motivated when students succeed after being advised and supported, it’s especially tough for Tosin when she’s presented by problems truly out of her control, but she is committed to doing her best to assist.
It is, without doubt, going to a be a busy and fulfilling year as Students’ Union President but it is clear with Tosin “motivated to make an impact” there is much to look forward to.
Tosin graduated this year at our autumn graduation at Southwark Cathedral in London.
"The university gave me the experience I wanted from the beginning. One thing that helped me was the ‘open door’ policy the teachers had, knowing that the teachers could help me at any time. I got to find my friends and my partner here the university, it will hold a special place in my heart."