Nigerian Student in UK Wins National Award for Educational Contributions
Dr. Yingyi Liu, a senior lecturer in psychology, lauded Ms. Da-Silva's contributions, describing her as "truly one of a kind" and highlighting the invaluable impact she has had within the university community.
Opeyemi Da-Silva, a Nigerian student studying at the University of Chester, has been honored with a prestigious national award for her exceptional contributions to the student community. Ms. Da-Silva was presented with the Student Partnership Impact award by the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) and Jisc.
The award recognizes students who have made significant strides in educational development within their respective universities. Hailing from Lagos, Ms. Da-Silva was commended for her tireless efforts in creating resources aimed at aiding international students in adjusting to university life in the UK, both socially and academically. Her initiatives have played a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience for international students.
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Dr. Helen Galbraith, Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Chester, nominated Ms. Da-Silva for the award. Notably, Ms. Da-Silva serves as a Student Race Advocate, a role established in 2020 to amplify the voices of Black, Asian, and other Ethnic Minority students within the university's decision-making processes.
One of her notable achievements includes the development of a comprehensive support handbook specifically tailored for international students, addressing their unique needs and challenges. Additionally, Ms. Da-Silva co-produced an instructional video tutorial on Moodle, the university's virtual learning environment, to assist students in familiarizing themselves with the platform.
Reflecting on her work, Ms. Da-Silva emphasized the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by minority students and proactively engaging with these issues to improve their university experience.
Dr. Yingyi Liu, a senior lecturer in psychology, lauded Ms. Da-Silva's contributions, describing her as "truly one of a kind" and highlighting the invaluable impact she has had within the university community.
Ms. Da-Silva's dedication to fostering inclusivity and supporting her fellow students exemplifies the positive influence individuals can have within educational institutions, transcending borders and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.