It’s time to wish goodbye and good luck to Students’ Council President James Akajioyi, who is heading off to study medicine at Leicester University. We’re delighted to see him achieve his ambition - but he will be missed because for the past year James has been an exceptional Students’ Council President who has also raised the profile of student democracy.
James, who was inspired to run for President after a year as Students’ Governor, started as he meant to go on with a ‘grass roots’ election campaign that involved him talking and listening to many different groups of students. Once voted into office he enlisted cross-College opinion from the 50-strong Students’ Council, with a smaller executive group communicating with College staff at regular feedback meetings.
He has worked tirelessly on behalf of his electorate and the College, impressing everyone with his professionalism and diligence and inspiring others to get involved. James says: “My main strategic focus was to raise the profile of the Council and also ensure learner voices and views were communicated effectively to tutors and senior management and vice versa.”
Behind the scenes, James was just as busy, hosting a regular ‘Presidents’ Surgery’, where personal and study issues could be discussed in confidence. This MP-style approach supported many students who might not otherwise have approached the College and had their problems successfully resolved. James says: “One of the things I’m most proud of is helping students to feel good about themselves – and stay on at the College.”
Our President - with full support from the College and other Council members – also went to great lengths to boost the social calendar. Highlights included a ‘Slammin Out’ party, Talent Showcase and Valentines Blind Date. More serious fixtures included themed activities to highlight Youth Conflict Awareness Week and International Women’s Day.
James is one of five members of the Akajioyi family who have studied at City of Westminster College (his Mother and Father began the family tradition). James, who lives in Kensington, says: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here and the chance to make a contribution to the College. The next priority is my medical studies and helping people enjoy a better quality of life.”