Inspiring the next generation of Britain’s African and African Caribbean communities

Eight students from The University of Nottingham have been named among Britain’s 100 most outstanding graduates in a scheme backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson.

The chosen graduates have been profiled in Future Leaders magazine, which is produced to inspire other young people from Britain’s African and African Caribbean communities to go to university, work hard and excel.

The third annual edition of Future Leaders: 100 of Britain’s Most Outstanding Black Students, also aims to break the negative stereotypes surrounding young people.

Among the eight graduates from Nottingham, Barbara Njau was featured in the top 10. The former general secretary of Nottingham’s Africulture Society was included for time spent mentoring teens from disadvantaged backgrounds while studying. She is fluent in French and Swahili and earlier this year represented Nottingham at the Harvard World Model United Nations conference, which involved more than 200 universities worldwide.

The other graduates from Nottingham featured are Iheanyi Chimidi Nwosu, Elorm Haligah, Lukeki Kaindama, Caroline Kateeba, Shelia Mburu and Massimo Sekyere-Ampofo.

Speaking at the magazine launch at London’s City Hall, Boris Johnson praised the concept of the publication as well as the students listed.

During his speech Mr Johnson said: “I have long held the view that the best way to encourage young people to achieve their dreams is for them to see others, particularly from a similar background to themselves, fulfilling their own ambitions.

“All too often our attention is necessarily drawn to the things that go wrong with our young people — the gangs, the violence, the wasted lives. Yet there is so much that we should be celebrating — the achievements and the contributions that the 99 per cent of our young people are making to society by living positive lives of good character, advancing purposefully towards the goals they are setting for themselves.”

After learning of the student’s success, Professor Saul Tendler, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at The University of Nottingham, also praised the students selected.

Professor Tendler said: “It is a huge achievement and one that we should be justly proud of. It tells us that we have the right courses, facilities, staff and environment to help our students to go on to develop outstanding careers which have significant impact.

“I would hope that we do create very positive role models that inspire and enthuse young (and not so young) people. Our graduates have a great blend of academic, social and cultural skills and experience that sets them apart and prepares them for roles across the globe.”

Of the eight Nottingham students to have been listed, Chimdi, Lukeki and Caroline received glowing endorsements from staff responsible for an employability initiative — the Nottingham Advantage Award.

Hayley Williams, Nottingham Advantage Award Coordinator, said: “We were delighted to be given the opportunity to nominate Advantage Award students for their outstanding achievement and contribution to the community. We are extremely proud that our students have received national recognition as ‘Future Leaders’.”