Reviewer: Fanen Nyiter.
Being President Welfare/Wellbeing is a compelling memoir that chronicles the personal and professional journey of a Nigerian student leader who rises from humble beginnings. in Abeokuta, Nigeria, to a pivotal role as President Welfare at Teesside University’ s Students’ Union in the United Kingdom. Spanning a narrative that intertwines personal growth, leadership challenges, and advocacy for student welfare, the book offers a candid exploration of the complexities of student governance, cultural adaptation, and the pursuit of social good in a foreign academic environment. While the memoir is rich with heartfelt reflections and practical insights, it is not without flaws, particularly in its structural coherence and narrative depth, which occasionally undermine its impact.
Summary
The book traces the author’s life from their formative years in Nigeria, marked by a relocation from Abeokuta to Ore at age 14, to their academic and professional pursuits in. Environmental Health Technology. The narrative then shifts to their transformative experience studying for a Master’s degree at Teesside University, where they become a vocal advocate for international students, particularly Nigerians. The author’ s election as President Welfare and subsequent re-election form the heart of the book, detailing their efforts to address critical issues such as housing crises, mental health support, period. dignity, and academic integrity. The memoir concludes with reflections on leadership lessons, personal growth, and the author saspirations in Human Resource Management and Equal Opportunity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
The text is structured into chapters that blend personal anecdotes with professional. milestones. Key initiatives, such as the establishment of the Accommodation Committee, the Breakfast Club, and the Library Food Quarter, highlight the author’ s commitment to student welfare. The narrative also delves into the challenges of navigating institutional limitations, cultural disparities, and electoral politics, offering a nuanced perspective on leadership in a diverse academic setting.
Strengths
The strength of Being President Welfare/Wellbeing lies in its authenticity and relatability. The author’ s voice is sincere, reflecting a deep sense of purpose and resilience. Their journey from a culturally rooted Nigerian upbringing to a leadership role in a foreign university resonates as a universal story of ambition and adaptation. The book excels in detailing the specific challenges faced by international students, particularly Nigerians, at Teesside University. Issues such as exploitative landlords, financial burdens, and cultural alienation are presented with vivid clarity, making the memoir a valuable resource for understanding the lived experiences of international students.
The author’s focus on actionable initiatives, such as the Accommodation Committee and the Period Dignity Initiative, demonstrates a practical approach to leadership. These examples serve as inspiring case studies for student leaders and administrators alike. Additionally, the inclusion of leadership lessons in Chapter 11, such as the importance of building relationships, servant leadership, and courage in advocacy, provides a reflective framework that elevates the memoir beyond a personal narrative to a guide for aspiring. leaders.
The collaborative efforts described, particularly with university stakeholders and other student officers, underscore the power of collective action. The author s ability to navigate complex institutional dynamics while advocating for change is a testament to their diplomatic and strategic skills. The memoir also sheds light on the structural differences between student unions in Nigeria and the UK, offering a comparative. perspective that enriches the discourse on student governance.
Critiques
Despite its strengths, Being President Welfare/Wellbeing has notable shortcomings that affect its overall impact. The most glaring issue is the inconsistent narrative structure, exacerbated by the frequent truncation of text in the provided document. Many chapters. end abruptly, with significant portions marked as truncated, leaving gaps in the storytelling that frustrate the reader. For instance, critical moments, such as the author’ s motivations for pursuing a Master’s degree or the resolution of specific campaigns, are incompletely explored, undermining the memoir’ s coherence.
The writing style, while earnest, occasionally lacks polish. Grammatical errors, awkward phrasing (e.g., prosem fazed the SU instead of problems faced the SU), and repetitive use of phrases like 1111″ in Chapter 58 disrupt the flow and detract from the professional tone expected of a published memoir. These issues suggest a need for more rigorous editing to enhance readability and credibility.
Another critique is the limited depth in character development. While the author provides vivid accounts of their own experiences, other figures such as their father, colleagues like Eby and Nigil, or the influential mentor who encouraged their Master’s pursuit-remain underdeveloped. This lack of depth makes it difficult for readers to fully connect with the supporting cast, who play significant roles in the author’ s journey. Similarly, the memoir would benefit from more introspection on the emotional toll of leadership. particularly during moments of burnout or public scrutiny, which are mentioned but not deeply explored.
The book’s scope, while ambitious, occasionally feels overly broad. The attempt to cover both personal history and professional achievements results in a narrative that sometimes lacks focus. For example, the transition from the author’s childhood in Nigeria to their leadership role at Teesside feels abrupt, with insufficient context to bridge these phases. A more streamlined focus on their student leadership experience, with select references to their background, could have strengthened the memoir’s central thesis.
Broader Context and Appeal
Being President Welfare/Wellbeing fits within the growing genre of memoirs by international students navigating Western academic systems. It contributes to discussions on diversity, inclusion, and the challenges of cross-cultural education, making. it relevant for students, educators, and administrators in higher education. The book’ s emphasis on student welfare aligns with contemporary debates on mental health, housing, and financial equity in universities, particularly for marginalized groups.
However, its appeal may be limited by its niche focus on Teesside University and the Nigerian student experience. Readers unfamiliar with the UK higher education system or the specific cultural context may find some sections less accessible. To broaden its reach, the author could have included more universal themes or comparative insights to resonate with a global audience.
Conclusion
Being President Welfare/Wellbeing is a heartfelt and inspiring account of one individual s journey from Nigeria to a leadership role at Teesside University. Its strengths lie in its
authentic voice, practical insights into student advocacy, and its focus on pressing issues. like housing and mental health. However, the memoir is hampered by structural inconsistencies, editorial lapses, and a lack of depth in character development. With tighter editing and a more focused narrative, it could have achieved greater im pact.
For readers interested in student leadership, international education, or the intersection of personal and professional growth, this book offers valuable lessons, albeit with room for refinement. The authors dedication to servant leadership and student welfare shines through, making Being President Welfare/Wellbeing a commendable, if imperfect, contribution to the literature on student governance.
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewed by FANEN NYITER
Journalist, Public Affairs Analyst & Researcher.
