The U of M’s African Graduate Students Association (UMAGSA) has launched the new academic year by hosting a specialized orientation. This event was designed to equip its newest members with the practical tools needed to thrive, both on campus and in the wider Winnipeg community. The orientation, held separately from the university’s general welcome activities, aimed to provide a culturally familiar and identity-affirming space for recently enrolled African graduate students.
Israel Adeogo Abejoye, president of UMAGSA, whose leadership made the event possible, explained the motivation behind hosting an orientation separate to the general university-wide one.
He noted the initiative stemmed from the personal experiences of many of his peers upon their arrival in Canada. Abejoye said he wanted to inform newly admitted African students in a way that would be relatable.
The orientation was designed to cover five areas essential to a successful transition. These areas were, housing and living in Winnipeg, transportation and city navigation, mentorship and community building, finding campus jobs and career preparation, and navigating campus resources.
This comprehensive approach, Abejoye noted, is a core part of the association’s mission to ensure that their members “succeed academically and socially as university community members and members of the wider Manitoba community.”
Emmanuella Nti, UMAGSA’s vice president for welfare, spoke on her optimism about the event’s impact. Her presentation focused on providing resourceful avenues for students to balance academic and non-academic pursuits.
“I hoped members left the event with a better understanding of the different avenues available to them, whether in securing employment during their studies or preparing for their careers after graduation,” Nti said.
For attendee Patrick Ogbey, for whom this event was a first introduction to the community, the event lived up to its promise. “I am excited to be here at this event, to connect with fellow African students, and to be part of this welcoming community,” Ogbey said.
Despite being new to the association, Ogbey grasped the essence of the group. “The African Graduate Students Association is a safe and supportive space where we can share experiences, ask questions, and learn how to navigate both academic and social life in Winnipeg,” he said.
The orientation also served as a direct source of valuable information. Ogbey highlighted one key takeaway, “it was through this event that I realized we have access to free legal services because the association has paid for it.” This revealed the tangible benefits of membership beyond simple social connection.
Ogbey further encouraged other African graduate students to get involved and remain active within the association. “We should continue to build and strengthen relationships, since this [will] open doors academically, socially and professionally in the long run,” he concluded.
This event was only the starting point of UMAGSA’s events for this academic year. The association has a full calendar planned to sustain momentum throughout the year, including workshops and African history month events, according to Abejoye. This shows the association’s sustained commitment to supporting its members.
The event also featured guest speakers, including executive representatives of the U of M postdoctoral society and Rotimi E. Aluko, professor, director and Canada research chair (bioactive peptides) at the Richardson centre for food and technology research.
African graduate students who wish to connect with the association can follow UMAGSA on Instagram at @umagsa.
