Pronouns: He/Him
Introduction
I am Akinyemi Owolabi, a PGR student from the School of Engineering. My overdose of optimism in seeking the best brought me overseas for my research study in this noble institution. I cannot but channel the same optimism into service when you elect me as VP Communities, with a personal mandate of ensuring no one is left behind in our journey as students! I am a lover of Chess and a Michael Jackson in the shower.
What are your three priorities for the year?
My first priority as the VP Communities will be to ensure no one across all communities in the University is left behind. We will carry out an audit of groups within the University and design impact specific programmes that will drive inclusion and prevent isolation. Education should not end within the walls and boundaries of classrooms but transcend into the communal realm/wealth of human interrelationship. Everyone is an important link in the chain that binds us as the Aberdeen Uni family.
Second, we will develop initiatives to subsidise living condition for international and local students like free bus ticket, Food bank, No Rent deposit, and extra pound for Student Hour. This will be done through collaborations within and outside the University.
I plan to foster mentorship and Award programmes across all groups represented in our University through leveraging the amazing talents in our Alumni Association, Societies, and other partners. As true as the saying that the reward for hardwork is more work, as the VP Communities, before more work is added, I will ensure that academic excellence is recognised and awarded across students and faculty communities.
This focus will not stand in isolation but will be supported by other works in the areas of sustainability, environment, and diversity.
What unique skill/knowledge can you bring to the role to stand out from the other candidates?
Experience obtained while working as the former member of the Exam Ethics Committee at the University of Benin, Board of Trustees member at Pacesetter Youth Empowerment and Transformation Network (PYETN), Team Lead at Honeywell Excellence Programme (HEP), Class Representative for Executive Trainee Overseas Programme, former member of the International Friendship League (IFL),Currently member at Care Team ( King’s Church Aberdeen), and Current Financial Sponsor at Care For the Family UK; make me stand out with diverse experience centered on service to humanity.
What do you think is the biggest issue that students are facing at the moment and how do you plan to tackle it?
The recent political tension in Europe, the recent UK government immigration policies for international students and the disruptive impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has led to uncertainties for the future and hardship at present. We will develop initiatives to subsidise living conditions for students as earlier stated, push for fairer study policies for international students and I believe AI inclusion in traditional curriculum cannot be overemphasis. We got to make our students ready for AI jobs in their respective fields.
