Abel Eledan

Tell us about yourself! First, what values would you bring to the role in three words?

• Integrity
• Empowerment
• Leadership

What do you think makes you the right person for the job?

I am the right person for this role because I have consistently demonstrated principled leadership, delivery, and student-first representation throughout my time at the University of Sunderland. I have served as a Course Representative for MSc Computing, currently act as the Student Voice Representative for the School of Computing, and I am the President of the Nigerian Students’ Society (NSS). Through these roles, I have represented students’ interests, worked constructively with staff, and ensured that student feedback leads to meaningful change. As NSS President, I led an organisation with international reach, delivering welfare initiatives, community development projects, and large-scale events that connected students from over 40 UK universities and more than 21 countries. I fulfilled all my campaign promises and prioritised transparency by publishing detailed financial reports, ensuring accountability in line with the Nolan Principles. My leadership and contribution to the university community have been recognised through awards and formal acknowledgment by the Mayor of Sunderland. I understand how a Students’ Union should work: listening, acting with integrity, empowering students, and delivering impact. As President: Sunderland, I will be an approachable, visible leader who puts students at the heart of every decision.

Finally, how would you approach representing and amplifying the voices of all students in your work?

I would approach representing and amplifying student voices by ensuring that every student feels heard, valued, and represented, regardless of their background, course, or level of engagement. My approach begins with active listening. I would strengthen existing feedback channels such as Course Reps, Student Voice Forums, and surveys, while also creating more informal and accessible spaces where students feel comfortable sharing concerns. Representation should not only come from those who already speak up, but also from those who are often unheard. I believe visibility matters. I would be a present and approachable President, engaging directly with students across campuses, societies, and communities, including international students, commuters, postgraduates, and underrepresented groups. Listening must then lead to action, so I would work closely with SU officers, staff, and the University to ensure student feedback translates into real change. Transparency is essential. I would regularly communicate what has been raised, what action has been taken, and what outcomes have been achieved, so students can see the impact of their voices. Ultimately, my goal is to build trust, empower students to participate, and ensure the Students’ Union genuinely reflects the diverse experiences and needs of the entire student body.

Ade Adeoye

Tell us about yourself! First, what values would you bring to the role in three words?

• Inclusive
• Empowerment
• Advocate

What do you think makes you the right person for the job?

During my time at Sunderland, I have had opportunities to help students. Working at the gateway help desk and the digital support desk I have been in a position to listen to what students are going through and act to help. This experience let me appreciate even more our diverse community and the challenges we face as students. Serving as the President of the Student Union, it has been my mission to continue to not only listen to students and help with action but to get students voices in the decision making spaces of the university. We have a right in shaping our university to suit us. This has brought changes such as the 700/701 bus route which delivered poor services to students. In my work as President we were able to -get student feedback from listening projects to the hands of the University and bus service company. -Get assurances that led to changes being made, -the service will remain Free for students -continued monitoring of effected changes -and students will be involved in the next decision making process involving bus transportation that will serve students between our campuses and accomodation.

Finally, how would you approach representing and amplifying the voices of all students in your work?

I have approached representing and amplifying the voices of all students by listening, being accessible, and empowering. To amplify a voice you need to first listen. Working at the gateway help desk and the digital support desk has sharpened my listening skills and shown the effectiveness of listening to students when solving a problem. Listening must capture the diverse range of voices we have. Using varied methods like community organizing; student feedback; helps capture all voices including athletes, part-time students, minorities, students with disabilities, commuters, international students and underrepresented backgrounds to name a few. This ensures ALL VOICES in our community are heard and amplified. I believe being visible and approachable is also key in representation which is why I am known for wearing my red hat everywhere on campus. It makes me easily identifiable and students can feel comfortable approaching and sharing their challenges. Finally, I have used my relationships and position to advocate consistently and confidently, ensuring student voices are represented in meetings with university leadership and external stakeholders and getting students the opportunity to speak in these spaces. My goal has been to not just collect student voices, but to amplify them into meaningful change.

Dylan Omollo Agar

Tell us about yourself! First, what values would you bring to the role in three words?

• Creative
• Collaborative
• Dedicated

What do you think makes you the right person for the job?

My time here at Sunderland has helped me interact with a lot of people from culturally different backgrounds and have fun in engaging in collaborative and competitive activities. My experience in working at a studio and planning events has taught me a lot about how to communicate with people, as well as embracing their solutions and ideas to problems and projects.

Finally, how would you approach representing and amplifying the voices of all students in your work?

Everyone is different and we each have our own personal experiences. Embracing this is the first step to giving the students a chance to share their experiences, whether it be challenges, accomplishments or even just expressing gratitude. Live sessions on the radio, interactive panel discussions and even creative events like craft-making sessions and theatre plays are some ideas that will help representing and amplifying the voices of all students.

Harry Osarogiagbon Obaretin

Tell us about yourself! First, what values would you bring to the role in three words?

• Realness
• Respect
• Refinement

What do you think makes you the right person for the job?

In all my experience as a leader and follower, the common denominator is that leadership is putting your neck in where people wouldn’t even lift a finger just to ensure the greater good is what’s made available to your people. I am not afraid to stand on what’s good for the many over what’s beneficial for the few. With knowledge in human psychology, I’m well equipped to read between the lines, know who’s real and who’s fake and lastly act with pragmatism not on emotions or manipulations. The school needs leadership that’s focused on the students not another arm of school administration where student leaders play to the gallery of school leadership just to look good instead of paying attention to their constituents and I have proven over time that my priority is those who trust me to be their mouth, brain, hands and feet when behind doors they cannot access. I’m eloquent not in emotionally trapping words but in speaking the language of truth and fairness and my goal is to bridge the lacuna between the school and its students.

Finally, how would you approach representing and amplifying the voices of all students in your work?

I will approach this role head-on, leaving no room for doubt or guesswork. The task ahead is substantial and demands conviction, integrity, and a genuine commitment to being the true voice of students and that is a responsibility I am ready to shoulder.

Promises alone achieve little; progress is proven through action. For now, I will let my actions speak for me, focusing on delivery rather than declarations, and reserving the rest of my plans until the work itself begins to show results.

Meg Campbell

Tell us about yourself! First, what values would you bring to the role in three words?

• Clarify
• Community
• Care

What do you think makes you the right person for the job?

As a disabled, mature student, from a low income background, I know how challenging life can be. My experiences have motivated me to be more empathetic, and to put in the work to learn about inequality, misjustice, and the complex challenges that other people face. I've been working alongside students at this university for over five years to bring together our community and enhance the experience of our alumni. From campaigning for Free Periods, to acting as a bridge between staff and students, to hosting wellbeing events, I've been invested in bettering the lives of my community. I have the experience to know what it takes to be President, the attention to detail to identity patterns and anticipate issues, and the creativity and care to bring people together. My life for half a decade has been fighting for students. Now, they need clarity, clear communication, and help with the rising cost of being a student. The incredible students at Sunderland are investing so much time and money into their education here, and deserve to have the most fulfilling experience possible. I can't imagine doing anything other than representing and giving my all to fighting for them.

Finally, how would you approach representing and amplifying the voices of all students in your work?

I would take time to listen to students and gather specific feedback about what they're enjoying, and what they're struggling with. Looking at data and knowing retention rates or that a certain percentage of students feel somewhat represented is one thing - knowing exactly what their expectations are and what they want is another. I want to be taking on honest feedback, educating myself on the issues at hand, and keeping students in the loop wherever possible. It will be my responsibility to make sure I understand where a student is coming from and the cultural context of their story, and giving every case the respect and care it deserves. I have a good relationship with many staff members and know how much they care, so acting as a bridge to bring students and their academic teams together is essential in making sure student voices are heard, and real change can be made possible. I aim to be humble, and understand I may not know everything, but always hold myself accountable and be willing to learn. At every step, I will remember that I'm here for the students, not for my own ego.

Richardson Junior Inoaghan

Tell us about yourself! First, what values would you bring to the role in three words?

• Availability
• Transparency
• Innovation

What do you think makes you the right person for the job?

During my Higher National Diploma in my country Nigeria, I was the Senate President of my school Petroleum Training Institute where I played vital role on how the students fund could be well managed and making sure students needs where pit on place. I also served as Faculty Auditor during my National Diploma at Delta State polytechnic otefe oghara where ensure transparency was the main focus. Currently am holding the post of my course Rep in this prestigious award winning school. I believe Nobody is born a leader, we all grow into being a leader step by step. And there is one thing I know during my time serving in those positions, which is that leaders servants of the followers,they only stand at the front drive them where ever they want to go.

Finally, how would you approach representing and amplifying the voices of all students in your work?

How I can represent and amplify the voice of the students if i take the role. One of it is to be accessible, ensuring all students regardless of capacity and ability can access me and be able to use me when needed. secondly I will be Neutral when matters arise, I will be unbiased and present information fairly from various point of view. Thirdly collaborating and working with educational platform to facilitate students discussions and projects to ensure needs are reached. Lastly feedback, providing channels for students to share their experience and suggestions for improvement just as Mr Are and NUS are already doing. But one thing for Sure is that serving the students is my most priority

Yazan Topaji

Tell us about yourself! First, what values would you bring to the role in three words?

• Helpful
• Compassionate
• Considerate

What do you think makes you the right person for the job?

I think I am right for the job because, I can help others be happy with the quality of their lives.

Finally, how would you approach representing and amplifying the voices of all students in your work?

Ask them what they want from me.