The Students’ Union Vice-President reflects on his journey so far at UWS and his trip to the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) conference in Denver supported, in part, by the UWS Development Fund.
Adamatie Adams Ovoke, is from one of the most populous, diverse and vibrant nation in Africa – Nigeria. ‘Voke’ as he is known to students and staff alike, is currently pursuing a Master’s in Advanced Computing at the University’s Paisley Campus, specializing in Big Data. Here he shares his experience of studying and getting involved at UWS…
My incredible two-year term as Vice-President of Student Development is nearing its end, and it’s a role that’s granted me the privilege of amplifying student voices across UWS campuses. I campaign for improved learning experiences, both within and beyond the classroom, by advocating for students at various university committees. I play a multifaceted role wearing different hats. One week, I am co-chairing the Student Partnership Forum facilitating collaboration between students and the university. Next, I could Chair the Societies Council, ensuring an engaging and inclusive environment for student-led societies. My commitment extends beyond these roles: I have been a Senator on the University Senate, previously served on the University Court, and currently, I hold a trustee position with the Students’ Union.
Scotland’s legacy has always captivated me, from ancient stunning standing castles, innovative creations and thinkers to its rich history and tales of resilience. These virtues deeply resonate with my Nigerian heritage.
Scotland’s undeniable influence on global events and contributions to various fields such as education, philosophy, and science continue to intrigue me. When searching for a university, UWS stood out as it is the only University in Scotland that proudly carries the name Scotland in it, signifying its strong ties to the nation’s identity and I wanted to have a well-rounded academic experience. Beyond the name, I was excited about the opportunities that UWS offers, including its diverse academic programs, innovative research and supportive community.
As Vice-President of Student Development, I’m passionate about developing a strong sense of community within UWS. I actively support student societies in their goal to create spaces that promote belonging, diversity, and inclusion.
Serving as Vice-President of Student Development has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has given me the opportunity to be the voice for thousands of students from diverse backgrounds, representing over 100 countries. This role allows me to advocate for their needs, ensure their concerns are heard, and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive university environment for everyone.
One of my proudest achievements was being a major player of the team that won the award of “Best Student Union of the Year” in Scotland – 2022/23. This award was a testament to our tireless dedication, especially during a challenging year. We poured our hearts and souls into amplifying the student experience, and seeing our efforts recognized was incredibly rewarding. Beyond the award, my involvement with various university teams has significantly enriched my understanding of the academic environment, student support services, and Scottish culture. I’ve built invaluable networks that I believe will be lifelong assets.
Putting my marketing and events experience to work, I also curated some exciting events. A personal highlight was leading the Black History Month celebrations in 2022, an event that brought together people from across the UK to celebrate and exchange diverse cultural experiences.
A major highlight for me personally was attending the ACUI annual conference in Denver this year. The UWS Development fund played a crucial role in making it possible to participate in the ACUI conference. The contribution and support received reduced the financial burden associated with travel.
This event brought together universities and student unions from different parts of the world (UK, Ireland, the US etc.) – all dedicated to enhancing the student experience. It was an invaluable opportunity to exchange best practices, learn cutting-edge strategies, and gain access to innovative tools used by leading student unions worldwide. It was an opportunity to connect passionate student development professionals from diverse institutions, sparking valuable conversations and creating connections that will undoubtedly benefit UWS students. I’m excited to implement the learnings and strategies gathered from this conference to create a truly enriching experience for our student body. The conference showcased innovative approaches to student engagement that truly impressed me.
One program featured a hands-on sustainability project – a student-led garden. Students were actively involved in every step, from design and planting to nurturing and celebrating its flourishing growth. This experiential learning initiative teaches valuable life lessons about teamwork, goal achievement, and environmental responsibility.
A conference highlight was the keynote address by renowned speaker Temple Grandin. Her insights on the diverse spectrum of human learning styles resonated deeply. Universities, she emphasized, should adapt teaching styles and learning spaces to cater to these variations. This aligns perfectly with my commitment to creating inclusive learning experiences at UWS.
While I’m incredibly proud of the work accomplished and the impact made, I’m also excited to return to my studies and complete my Master’s program here at UWS this September.
My thanks go to everyone at the University of the West of Scotland who has made my experience here so worthwhile.
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