In this interview we speak to alumnus and poet Mohammed Salihu, who has published his debut collection of poetry, Voices from the Soil: Wounds and Wisdom.

Tell us about the book and how it came about?

Voices from the Soil: Wounds and Wisdom came from a deeply personal place. I started writing the poems as a way to process the loss of my father. At the time, I didn’t have the words to express what I was feeling, but poetry became a safe space for me to let it all out.

As time passed, I realised that my poems often reflected where I was in my grief journey. When I was hurting, they were heavy. But as I began to heal, my writing shifted into something more hopeful and filled with gratitude.

The book explores grief, memory, cultural identity, and resilience. It’s not just about loss, it’s about healing, heritage, and the strength we find in difficult moments.

Have you always written poetry?

Yes, I’ve always loved words. Growing up, I wasn’t the most confident speaker, so writing was how I expressed myself. Even before moving to the UK, I had a few poems published in Nigeria. But it wasn’t until university that I really started taking poetry seriously- that’s when I saw how powerful it could be in connecting with others and creating impact.

Tell us about your time at the University.

My time at UWS felt like a fresh start. I chose the university because of its welcoming atmosphere, diversity, and strong student support. Even though I didn’t stay in halls, I still made great friendships and had so many memorable experiences.

A big turning point for me was when my lecturer, Angela Dunlop, found out I wrote poetry and encouraged me to share it during our online COVID lectures. That small moment gave me the confidence to put myself out there.

I was active in groups like the Accounting Society and the African Caribbean Society. Through them, I got to perform poetry- including at Paisley Abbey during the Inauguration of the University’s Chancellor in 2022.

You were back on Paisley Campus awarding the winners of the UWS Creative Writing Competition, was it good to be back?

It was amazing! Coming back, not as a student, but as an alumnus celebrating creativity, was really special.

Although I studied accounting, I returned to honour storytelling and the power of words. It reminded me how important it is to create spaces for students to grow, and it honestly made me feel like enrolling again!

You recently participated at the Paisley book festival, how was that experience?

It was surreal. I remember in 2021, sitting in my room watching the festival online and thinking, “Maybe one day, that could be me.” I was quiet, unsure, and didn’t feel ready then.

So to stand on that stage just a few years later, next to people I once looked up to, was incredible. It was a chance to share my work, connect with other creatives, and represent my journey. Definitely one of the highlights of my life so far – and I still believe the best is yet to come.

What’s next for your poetry?

Poetry started for me as a form of protest – a way to speak up about systemic issues. But over time, it became something deeper, especially as I navigated grief. It helped me process and express emotions I couldn’t speak out loud.

What’s next? I’m still figuring that out. But I know there’s more to come. I’m taking each step with intention, even if I don’t have all the answers yet. Whether it’s more publishing, performing, or collaborating, I’m trusting the process.

You have been nominated for The Black Scottish Awards: Creative of the Year. How excited about that are you?

The Black Scottish Awards is a powerful celebration of excellence, diversity, and achievement within Scotland’s Black community and ally communities. Created to honour the outstanding contributions of individuals, businesses, and organisations, it shines a light on the voices, stories, and successes that continue to inspire across all fields.

It honestly means so much. To be nominated alongside so many inspiring Black creatives and allies across Scotland is a huge honour.

The Black Scottish Awards are about more than just recognition – they’re about celebrating voices and stories that often go unheard. It reminds me that what we create matters.

If you could offer one piece of advice or top tip to recent graduates, what would it be?

You’re allowed to grow slowly and still bloom. Every seed has its own season – just because you’re not seeing results yet doesn’t mean you’re not progressing.

Don’t compare your journey with others. Honour the gift that makes you different. Even small steps are steps forward. One day, you’ll look back and be grateful for how far you’ve come