Beyond the Degree: Why NSSPF UK is Championing Volunteering for Student Success
By Mary-Jane Onuorah (NSSPF National Volunteer Coordinator)
The Nigerian Student Society Presidents’ Forum UK (NSSPF UK) continued its critical dialogue on student leadership and community impact during its latest Friday Night Check-in Call. Hosted on October 17th, 2025, the virtual session, anchored by Ambassador Adenike, centered on a theme vital to the diaspora community: the power and benefits of volunteering. Despite minor technical hiccups with screen sharing, the energy remained high, fostering an insightful discussion that resonated with the Forum’s mission of holistic development.
The Core Message: Volunteers Drive Value
The session’s core focus was on shifting the perception of volunteering from a mere obligation to a genuine engine for community benefit and personal growth. Ambassador Adenike led the conversation by highlighting the intangible returns on investment that volunteering provides, particularly for students preparing to enter highly competitive global job markets. The session was further enriched by the Coordinator of Beautiful Minds, who also shared powerful personal insights on the transformative power of her volunteering journey.
Participants were encouraged to share their personal stories. Insights poured in, showcasing how their volunteer work:
- Builds Professional Skills: Providing hands-on experience in leadership, event coordination, and project management that degrees often don’t cover.
- Expands Networks: Creating meaningful connections with professionals and fellow leaders across different sectors.
- Drives Community Impact: Offering a direct way to give back to Nigerian and UK communities.
Ambassador Adenike further enriched the discussion by referencing her own impactful experiences with global organizations, including insights from her work with Rotary and the ECOWAS Volunteer Program. This provided concrete examples of how local volunteer experience can scale up into international career opportunities and broader policy engagement.
Action and Awareness: The Call to Serve
The session transitioned from discussion to action with a strong call for volunteers. This proactive approach ensures the NSSPF UK’s upcoming initiatives—ranging from community outreach to professional development programs—are well-staffed by enthusiastic and committed student leaders.
In closing, a major announcement was made regarding one of the most anticipated events on the student calendar:
Announcement: The upcoming AUSS 2025 event will be hosted by the University of Sunderland.
Participants were strongly encouraged to get involved with the planning and execution of this pivotal conference. This is a prime opportunity for NSSPF members to apply their new leadership skills, gain event management experience, and build their professional network.
The NSSPF UK continues to be the essential platform for Nigerian student leaders to connect, grow, and mobilize positive change. If you want to stay updated on the AUSS 2025 event and all other initiatives, be sure to follow the Forum on LinkedIn!
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Stay connected for more updates and exciting developments from NSSPF UK as we continue to empower and unite the Nigerian diaspora!
For more information or collaboration please reach out to us at admin@nsspf-uk.org or contact us on 07881168707.