2019/20 ASCU Committee
Iyeyinka Omigbodun, PhD Sociology
President
Iyeyinka Omigbodun, who hails from Nigeria, is studying for a PhD in Sociology at the University of Cambridge. She completed her undergraduate degree in Social Anthropology and African Studies from Harvard University in the United States of America in 2016 and her MPhil in Sociology at the University of Cambridge in 2019. She is passionate about the sustainable development of Africa especially with regards to harnessing the potential of African youth. She started a community project called Readers are Leaders in 2011 to promote reading among youth in her home city of Ibadan and started a free annual summer school in 2013 in the same city. She is currently studying self-employed youth in Nigeria so that youth can be supported better to build businesses that will curb the unemployment crisis in the country.
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Andrews Addy Asante, MPhil Therapeutic Sciences
General Secretary
Andrews Addy Asante is a Ghanaian and a Scholar of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). He is the current General Secretary of the African Society of Cambridge University (ASCU) and a graduate student studying for an MPhil in Therapeutic Sciences. He is passionate in research leading to the discovery and development of novel drug molecules with their mechanism of action and modalities in treating diseases affecting mankind thereby improving our current therapies. Andrews is also keen on entrepreneurship by transforming innovative ideas into business strategies for development. Aside the science, Andrews is also interested in Classical music, loves swimming and socialising with a good sense of humour.
Country of Origin: Ghana
Alice Amegah, PhD Education
Head of Logistics, Africa Together Conference
Alice Amegah is currently a PhD Candidate in Education and Young Leader of the Forum for World Education. She recently received her master’s degree in Comparative and International Education from the University of Oxford and before then her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Ghana. Her career and research interests are in Neuroscience, Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). She advocates for quality TVET policies and practices. Alice hopes to raise education and career aspirations among African youth especially young women through employer engagement systems across the continent.
Country of Origin: Ghana
Akinwale Iyeku
Co-Chair, Africa Over Coffee
Akinwale Iyeku completed his medical degree at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. As a young physician with interests in translational research into the prevention of cardiovascular illnesses, his current work at the University of Cambridge assesses the influence of ethnicity and the environment on the phenotypes of hypertension. Specifically, comparing aortic blood pressure, salt consumption and 2D echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular structure and function in hypertensive individuals of black and white ethnic extraction. He sees his current role as Co-chair of ASCU's Africa over Coffee events as a crucial one of many opportunities to give back to the African continent through organizing regular brainstorming sessions to discuss Africa, propose solutions to its challenges, and expound its role in current global affairs.
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Ihuoma Okorie, MPhil Development Studies
Communications Officer
Ihuoma Okorie is a Nigerian postgraduate student in Development Studies (MPhil), supported by the HRH The Prince of Wales Commonwealth Scholarship. Prior to this, she graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in International Media and Communications from the University of Nottingham, winning the award of ‘Best Overall Academic Performance’, amongst others. She currently serves as the Communications Officer of ASCU. She is interested in themes of youth education, female empowerment and poverty alleviation in the developing world. After her Master’s Programme, she plans to return to West Africa to contribute to the region’s role in International Development particularly through investment in the capabilities of African children.
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Tafadzwa (Taffy) Chaduka MRICS MCInstCES, MSc Sustainable Development IDBE
Head of Fundraising, Africa Together Conference
Taffy is the Head of Fundraising for the Africa Together Conference. Taffy is an IDBE Master's student focusing on digital inclusive workplaces. He is passionate about networking and people development. Taffy is also the Chair of the Religion, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage (REACH) employee network at Costain and the founder of Zimbabwe Diaspora Construction and Civil Engineering Professionals (ZiDCEP) with over 250 professional members. Apart from a busy work schedule, Taffy enjoys spending time with his family.
Country of Origin: Zimbabwe
Bright Nsolebna Jaato, PhD Materials Science and Metallurgy
Head of Branding Publicity and Partnership, Africa Together Conference
Bright received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry from the University of Ghana and is presently undertaking his PhD research at the Department of Material Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. He is a Commonwealth Scholar and member of St. Edmund’s College. Bright is an independent thinker who is enthusiastic about understanding and exploiting natural phenomena to improve human lives and the environment. His current focus is to improve sanitation and reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases in Africa, through the use of scalable, affordable and sustainable technologies. Speaking of which, he is preparing materials that can harness solar energy for water purification.
Country of Origin: Ghana
Mercy Kariuki, MPhil in Conservation Leadership
Social Chair
Mercy Kariuki is studying for the MPhil in Conservation Leadership at the University of Cambridge. Mercy is passionate about conservation and engagement of local communities. She is currently supporting a community organisation in her country to conserve biodiversity in the region (http://nwc.co.ke/) while also striving to enhance environmental awareness. Her long-term goal is to take up a leadership role in helping shape sustainable conservation initiatives amongst local communities across Africa and be an inspiration to others especially African women interested in conservation. Mercy enjoys outdoor activities including hiking and mountain climbing.
Country of Origin: Kenya
Githiora Thuku, MSc Finance
Treasurer
Githiora’s passion is to promote the common good through the economic development of Africa. He looks to do so by assisting African institutions and philanthropies to become better managed and more effective at delivering upon their missions. Githiora also seeks to enable non-African firms to better understand how to build locally-relevant and commercially attractive franchises in Africa. Prior to matriculating at Cambridge, Githiora worked in various investment and operational capacities at Allan Gray — one of Africa’s largest privately-owned investment managers. During his tenure with Allan Gray, Githiora gained an understanding of the commercial realities faced by African businesses and supported the team with its expansion strategy into various African markets. Githiora holds a BSc in Applied Mathematics from Brown University and is reading for a Master’s of Finance degree at Cambridge Judge Business School.
Country of Origin: Kenya
2018/19 Committee
Sandile Mtetwa - President
Elfadil Osman - Vice President
Oliver Barker-Vormawor - Head of Logistics, Africa Together Conference
Onyinye Okakwu - Head of Branding Publicity and Partnership, Africa Together Conference
Lesego Letlape - Head of Fundraising, Africa Together Conference
Cynthia Okoye - Communications Officer
Yoseph Kiflie - Communications Officer
Thabo Lenneiye - Co-Chair, Africa Over Coffee
Kwaku Abrefa-Busia - Social Chair
Charity Bhebhe - Treasurer
Grant Simpson - Treasurer
Afia Addai - Undergraduate representative
What the ASCU logo means
The logo is an Adinkra symbol from the Akan people of Ghana. The Siamese Crocodiles symbolize democracy and unity. The crocodiles share one stomach, yet they fight over food. Like Siamese crocodiles, our survival depends on our ability to share and peacefully co-exist or continue on the path of self-annihilation because of short sighted greed and selfishness