Folks,

As my tenure as Director General-President of the Nigeria Graduate Student Association comes to an end, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and pride for all that we have accomplished together. 

Serving as DG has been an honor and a privilege. I am immensely grateful for your trust and support throughout this journey. 

On reflection, I am struck by the incredible growth and achievements we have experienced as a community. From registration as a student organization (recognition by the Graduate Student Association) to organizing impactful events, initiating and fostering a culture of inclusivity, and collaborating with PROMISE, the Black Graduate Student Organization, and LATINX graduate students. Some of us have played a vital role in shaping the vibrant tapestry that is the Nigeria Graduate Student Organization.

Together, we have accomplished the following:

• We achieved GSA registration, recognized as GSO on campus.
• Secured on-campus jobs for more than ten community members.
• We provided airport shuttles from BWI for new graduate students.
• We arranged short-term accommodation for newly admitted graduate students.
• Provided guidance for new graduate students while helping them settle.
• Provided support for four students and pointed them to the right resources on campus.
• Organized welcome events every semester since the Fall of 2022.
• Organized Ocean City and DC Tours
• We successfully organized three sessions on immigration options for graduate students
• Hosted 2 Thanksgiving potluck.
• Held 2 Summer cookouts.
• Co-hosted events with PROMISE, BGSO and LATINX.
• Organized game/movie nights

I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to the executive board for their time and support in taking the NGSA to an enviable height. Your labor of love is noted and well appreciated.

Yetunde Okueso is the Director of Communications (Serves as secretary)

Lekan Ajiboye is the Director of Events

Kelvin Echenim oversees engagement as Director of Engagements and,

The director of Finance is Emmanuel Ugwuabonyi

Additionally, I acknowledge the support of all those who have played a key role in one form or another since the formation of this organization. It would not be fair not to mention Adebola Daramola and Tolulope Ale for their behind-the-scenes advice and their financial support, especially during the formative period. I also recognize Surely Akiri's support, who helped arrange meeting venues twice before our registration with GSA. It is essential to mention and appreciate some of our Alumni (Samson Oni, PhD, Nelson Ajayi, PhD, and Israel Anitube) who funded some of our activities at some point before our GSA registration; we do not take their generosity for granted. 

Words have failed me in expressing my gratitude to our faculty advisor, Dr. Glory Chuku, and, more recently, to Dr. Charles Ichoku for always showing up to our events and supporting us.

As my tenure ends without a clear transition in sight, I am concerned about the following possibilities;

• We are likely going to lose our registration with GSA after some period of inactivity.
• The lack of substantial NGSA Leadership will negatively impact our sense of community 
• The NGSA will lose the GSA funding opportunity
• We will miss out on the relationships established with other graduate student organizations on campus.
• Newly admitted Nigerian graduate students may not have access to on-campus jobs.

On a personal level, Adebola and I, and many who care to join us, will continue to provide an airport shuttle from BWI for new students until we graduate. We will also continue to provide temporary accommodation to the best of our ability. 

I will continue to provide local transportation based on my availability to new students. I hope to continue to provide support and connect students to campus resources to as many as will trust me to do so on their behalf. I will continue to share relevant information at my disposal for the benefit of the community.

In closing, let me express my heartfelt thanks to each one of you for your contributions, dedication, and friendship. It has been an incredible honor to serve as your DG or, as some call it, President. I am immensely proud of all we have accomplished together. I wish NGSA more success.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Chinonso Ezeobi| Director General| NGSA

Stay connected with us during the summer months! Our office hours have been adjusted for the season.

• Monday to Thursday- 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Walk-in or schedule an appointment
• Friday- Virtual

Whether you need assistance or have  questions, our dedicated team is here to support you. Don't hesitate to reach out.

Have a great Summer!!!!

If you are interested, applications are open NOW until the deadline Wed, May 22, 2024. We would love to see new faces and people a part of our board! 

Application link here: 

https://forms.gle/RxXW6E1SQQ97xiph9

Hi Everyone! LHGSA currently has two open board positions which are Financial Officer and Events Coordinator and if you are interested, applications are open NOW. The deadline to apply is Wed, May 22, 2024. We would love to see new faces a part of our board. Let's help build a community! 

See the application link here: 

https://forms.gle/RxXW6E1SQQ97xiph9