Pronouns: She/Her

Introduction

Hi, I'm Courage Mene, and I'm running to be your next Vice President for Education. I'm in my final year of the MSc Artificial Intelligence programme here at Aberdeen. Before coming to Scotland, I studied Computer Science at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria, where I served as Miss NACOSS, representing my department at university events, and was part of the planning committees for our departmental dinner and the Final Year Brethren (FYB), where I received the FYB Legacy Award. Outside of academics, I love singing. I've always been passionate about supporting fellow students, tutoring coursemates both back home and here at Aberdeen to help them prepare for exams.

What are your three priorities for the year?

1. Stronger Class Rep System

Class reps are the frontline of the student voice, but some don't carry out their duties effectively. I'll introduce proper training each semester, set up clear communication channels between reps and the VP Education, and create an accountability system with regular check-ins to ensure every rep is actively engaging with their classmates and raising concerns.

2. More Student Voice at Senate

I'll use my seat at the University Senate to bring real student concerns to the table. I'll hold open forums each semester so you can tell me what matters to you, and make Senate decisions more transparent.

3. Academic Support for Transition Students

Many students struggle academically, particularly in their first year or when studying subjects they haven't taken before. I'll campaign for free tutoring programs and study skills workshops, push for peer-assisted learning schemes to be embedded across schools, and work to establish peer-support networks and mentorship programs so no student is left behind during the transition to university life.

What unique skill/knowledge can you bring to the role to stand out from the other candidates? 

I bring a combination of lived experience, leadership, and a genuine track record of supporting other students. As an international postgraduate student, I can authentically represent the 3,000+ non-EU students at Aberdeen. My experience as Miss NACOSS taught me how to represent a department publicly and advocate for students' interests. My tutoring experience, both in Nigeria and here at Aberdeen, means I understand academic struggles from the inside, not just as policy.

What do you think is the biggest issue that students are facing at the moment and how do you plan to tackle it? 

The biggest issues facing students right now are the threat to courses from the university's £12 million budget gap and the lack of academic support for students transitioning into new programmes.

On the budget crisis, management announced plans to apply a 10-student minimum to programmes, stop recruiting to postgrad courses with fewer than six students, and increase student-to-staff ratios. Staff unions have announced strike days in March, and decisions will be made at the University Court meeting on 29th April. I would use my seat at Senate to challenge cuts, mobilise class reps to gather evidence on how cuts affect students, and coordinate a student-led campaign to protect courses.

On academic support, many students I've spoken to struggle in their first year or when studying subjects they didn't take before. I'll push for free tutoring programmes, peer-assisted learning schemes, and mentorship networks so no student is left behind.

Students deserve someone fighting on both fronts. I will be that person.