Opeyemi Da-Silva, a dedicated Nigerian student at the University of Chester, has recently been honoured with a national award for her outstanding contributions to enhancing the experience of international students at her university. Ms. Da-Silva was presented with the Student Partnership Impact Award by the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) and Jisc, in recognition of her significant impact on educational development and student support initiatives.

Originally from Lagos, Ms. Da-Silva has been a key figure in creating resources designed to help international students adjust to university life in the UK. Her innovative efforts have improved both the social and academic experiences for these students, demonstrating her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

Nominated by Dr. Helen Galbraith, Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Chester, Ms. Da-Silva serves as a Student Race Advocate. This role, established in 2020, aims to represent the voices of Black, Asian, and other Ethnic Minority students in university decision-making processes.

One of her most notable achievements includes developing a comprehensive support handbook specifically for international students. This handbook addresses the unique needs of Black, Asian, and other Ethnic Minority students, offering crucial guidance to help them navigate university life.

Reflecting on her initiatives, Ms. Da-Silva remarked, “During my tenure as a Student Race Advocate for the School of Psychology, I recognized the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by Black, Asian, and other Ethnic Minority students. To proactively engage with this issue, I initiated a comprehensive outreach initiative aimed at improving their university experience.”

Additionally, Ms. Da-Silva co-produced an instructional video tutorial on Moodle, the University’s virtual learning environment, helping students familiarize themselves with the platform. This resource has become an invaluable tool for new students.

Dr. Yingyi Liu, a senior lecturer in psychology, lauded Ms. Da-Silva’s contributions, stating, “She is truly one of a kind, and we were lucky to have her.”

Ms. Da-Silva’s dedication and innovative approaches have not only earned her a prestigious award but have also left a lasting positive impact on the University of Chester, setting a high standard for future student advocates and leaders.