“Everyone is welcome here” – meet Plymouth’s student president with inclusion at his heart

Dindu Okechukwu is using his time as Students’ Union President to ensure everyone feels included at Uni and in the wider city
Dindu Okechukwu

Having finished school in his native Nigeria, Dindu Okechukwu was contemplating what to do next; and a love of helping others and a keenness to study by the sea drew him to a Psychology degree at the University of Plymouth.
Fast forward two years, he has become President of the University’s Students’ Union, which has only strengthened his passion to advocate for others.

I’m the eldest of four children, and my family has always been rooted in service and community. I knew I wanted to help others, and – while I knew uni would be for me – I thought Psychology might be a good avenue to explore.

I chose Plymouth because it looked beautiful by the sea, and I saw the course was highly rated.
Dindu Okechukwu on his first day in Plymouth
Dindu on his first day in Plymouth
Dindu Okechukwu by the sea
Down by the waterfront

After encouragement from my family, as I was the first to go to uni, I started my course at the University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) becoming a student ambassador and part of the council too.

I had to push out of my comfort zone battling imposter syndrome, wondering if I was good enough to be here. 
But when I started the degree at the University itself, I joined two Students’ Union societies, then became a Psychology course rep. I then realised how much I loved advocating for people. 
In his second year of study, Dindu saw the annual call out for Students’ Union Sabbatical Officers – people elected from the student body to represent students at the highest level of University operations. Despite self-doubt, he decided to run for President.

I had to campaign to be elected and, with cultural differences, you don’t know how you’ll be perceived.

But getting to speak to students first-hand made me realise that life gives us different perspectives. What we have to do is work with them.
Since being elected this year, Dindu’s focus centres on four key student issues: cost of living support, building communities and belonging, academic representation, and mental health and wellbeing
Dindu Okechukwu giving a speech as SU President
Giving a speech as SU President
UPSU sabbatical officers 2024/25
With fellow 2024/25 UPSU sabbatical officers
Working with his fellow Sabbatical Officers, Dindu explains what he’s hoping to achieve.

One of our fastest growing societies is the book club – which is a big move away from what people might think.

It’s not all about nighttime culture now, Covid had a huge impact on people’s everyday lives, and we find people are more introverted and in need of support to make friends and feel like they fit in. 
Plymouth is a diverse city, at least because of the diversity of the incredible people at the Uni. In my role now and in the future, I want everyone to realise that all voices matter, and everyone is welcome here. 
 
Colours for Scholars
 
 

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