Founded in 2004 by a group of Nigerian undergraduate students, the Harvard College Nigerian Students Association has grown both in numbers and respect, becoming one of the premier organizations for students on campus. Based on the shared culture and values of Nigerian and Nigerian American students, Harvard NSA has not only created a community for Nigerians to come together but has also spread an appreciation for the Nigerian culture throughout campus through various activities and events.
Meet Our Board
Faith Oji ‘27
President
Faith Oji, hailing from Brockton, Massachusetts, with roots in Nkporo, Abia State, is an Igbo junior in Quincy House. An ambitious woman, Fatih is pursuing a joint concentration in Government and African Studies with a citation in Igbo. When she’s not with NSA, you can find Faith singing with Kuumba or Soulfood’s Worship team. Currently, she’s a Worship Leader for Soulfood Christian Fellowship and the Treasurer for the Kuumba Singers. Along with singing, Faith enjoys reading and baking– in fact, many board members can attest to her delicious cupcakes. She also looks forward to continuing serving the community. She cites her favorite memory with the NSA as the 2025 Starboy Pageant. As she enters her third year, Faith’s advice to first years is to “protect your peace!” She reassures, saying you don’t have to like everyone or do everything; just stay true to yourself, always. Faith is excited to continue bleeding green and white on campus and building a stronger Nigerian community. Faith is looking forward to being as strong of a leader as possible!
Oziomachukwu Obi ‘27
Vice President
Coming to you from Greenville, North Carolina, Oziomachukwu (Ozioma) Obi is an Igbo junior concentrating in Neurobiology and Philosophy, with a citation in the Igbo language. Ethnically from both Ogidi and Asaba, Ozioma is serving as NSA’s Vice President this upcoming school year. As VP, he’s ready to raise the heat on what NSA can be: taking NSA Gala to another level, building stronger pre-professional pipelines with Nigerian alumni and faculty, and ensuring that NSA maintain the vibe of a true cultural affinity space. Outside of NSA, Ozi is a violinist in the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra and is a member on its tour committee, helping to plan HRO’s 2026 international tour in Japan. He also dances with Omo Naija x Wahala Boys, mentors through PBHA’s Harmony program, and writes video essays on the side. When he’s at home, you may catch him playing music on the street back home. Ozioma’s favorite NSA memories are is working behind the scenes of Starboy 2025, meeting Oxlade, and making his closest friends through the space. His advice to first years is simple: “Find a space where you can be unapologetically yourself. Don’t waste your time conforming to anything you don’t see as part of your character. Moreover, the goal of college is to grow, and oftentimes painful experiences shape growth the most.”
Nike Okafor ‘27
Treasurer
Coming from Brooklyn, New York, Nike Okafor is an Igbo junior in Kirkland House with family roots in Anambra State. Nike is concentrating in Neuroscience on the Mind, Brain, and Behavior track and Art, Film, and Visual Studies on the Film and Videomaking track with a secondary in Theater, Dance, and Media. Nike plans to help manage the finances of the club as best as possible while securing the most funds he possibly can. Some of his hobbies are going to the movies, playing video games, and working on production sets with friends. Some of his interests are in theater, acting, cinematography and directing, and most things arts related. The advice he would give first years would be to have a fun year and to do things outside of their comfort zones. His favorite NSA memory would have to be NSA gala weekend, specifically the main event in the basement of the northwest building (mainly because of the people and the food.) Nike is looking forward to making the best memories he can with the community and having fun.
Iyanuoluwa Shonukan ‘28
Co-Social Chair
Coming from Carpentersville, IL, Iyanuoluwa Shonukan is a Yoruba sophomore in Lowell House with roots in Sagamu, Ogun State. He’s concentrating in Neuroscience with a Secondary in Psychology. As co-social chair Iyanu plans to bring back the NSA hype by creating a fun and welcoming space among the black diaspora at Harvard and other Ivy leagues. In his free time he likes working out, playing guitar, making music, sewing, and posting funny YouTube videos. His passions lie in mental health and child healthcare advocacy. Outside of NSA, Iyanu conducts research in a few psychology labs, serves as a bible study leader for HUFA, Ads Associate for The Harvard Crimson, Branding Chair for HUBHA, and as a Peer Counselor with Room 13. One piece of advice he would give to first-years is to leverage their network! Harvard has a goldmine of opportunities for its students which makes it a wonderful place to be. His favorite NSA memory is Starboy ’25 where he competed and learned how to legwork. Iyanu is looking forward to continuing to make NSA a place where all Harvard undergrads can call home.
Anji Ashaye ’28
Co-Social Chair
Anji Ashaye is a Yoruba freshman who claims Eagle, Idaho, Ogun State, and Lagos, although when on campus, she calls Canaday her home. Despite it being her first year, Anji is looking to concentrate in Economics with a Secondary in Global Health and Health Policy. When not learning about how she can save the world, Anji enjoys playing soccer, acting and directing, weight-lifting, and styling outfits (so if you see this Freshmen Rep with a fire fit, make sure to say hi!). Outside of NSA, Anji works as a a researcher with the Institute of Politics’ Policy Program on the Substance Use Disorders, MA Dept. of Public Health team. For her first year with NSA, Anji is most looking forward to her first Independence Day Gala! With her role as Freshmen Rep, Anji’s highest priority is ensuring that every Nigerian in the Class of ’28 feels like they have a home on campus and with each other. With her co-Freshmen Rep, she plans on organizing events to cultivate connection and work with other affinity orgs to plan joint activities. She says, “After all, Black Harvard 2028 is stronger together!”
Emily Igwike ’28
Community Liason
Emily Igwike is an Igbo sophomore in Winthrop House from Brown Deer, WI with family roots in Anambara State. Samuel is concentrating in Chemistry with a secondary in English on the pre-med track. Emily is hoping to create more opportunities for Harvard NSA to meet and connect with fellow Nigerians in Boston and the Ivy League. In addition, Emily hopes to establish more opportunities for Harvard NSA to participate in community service both on and off campus, and finally, have more formal outings with other schools. She would definitely tell first years to dive into everything that interests them, make an effort to meet new people and join clubs, and finally, make a organizational plan / routine that helps them stay on top of their school work. Most importantly, she hopes first years prioritize their health. Emily’s favorite NSA memory was NSA Gala because she was so happy to see such a vibrant celebration of Nigerian pride at Harvard. Finally, she is most excited for 2025 NSA Gala, and a potential beginning or end of the year brunch with other NSA chapters throughout Boston!
Samuel Oji ’28
Executive Programming Chair
Samuel Oji is an Igbo sophomore in Cabot House from Brockton, MA with family roots in Nkporo, Abia State. Samuel is concentrating in Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy, and a citation in Igbo. Within his role as Executive Programming Chair, Samuel hopes to re-establish enthusiasm for NSA. Alongside building on the mainstay events, he wants to support the rest of the board in the efforts of uniting Nigerians both in Harvard and beyond. Outside of Harvard, his hobbies include basketball, soccer, weightlifting, trading, and reading. He works as a research assistant at Mass General Hospital, is a part of volunteer work with PBHA, and serves as treasurer for the Orthodox Christian Fellowship. His advice to first years would be to maintain discipline, but do not become consumed by the idea of always putting yourself first. Find meaning in serving others and embrace the role of provider and uplifter to the fullest extent you can. Samuel’s favourite NSA memory was the Independence Day Gala and the Visitas welcome event. In the upcoming year, he is especially looking forward to hosting his first Starboy Competition.
Damilola Ogunbamiwo ’28
Secretary
Coming from Bowie, Maryland, Damilola Ogunbamiwo is a Yoruba sophomore in Currier House with roots in Ondo State. She’s concentrating in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy. As secretary for NSA, Dami is committed to increasing member involvement and awareness of NSA and its events through effective and engaging communication between NSA and its members. In her free time, Dami loves to play the cello, dance, and read. Outside of NSA, Dami is a Student Development Partner for the Harvard College Fund, Course Assistant for LPSA, Co-Mentorship Chair for the Harvard Undergraduate Black Premedical Society, Secretary for the Harvard Undergraduate Black Health Advocates Organization, volunteer for ExperiMentors with the Phillips Brooks House Association, and a mentor for the Alberta V. Scott Leadership Academy. One piece of advice she would give to first-years is to explore! Harvard has so much to offer. There’s so much to discover and stepping outside your comfort zone can open doors you didn’t anticipate. Her favorite NSA memories are the NSA Gala and meeting Oxlade. Dami looks forward to showing the world the rich culture of Nigeria and the strong community NSA has to offer!
Solu Ajene ‘28
Development Chair
Solu Ajene is an Igbo sophomore in Quincy House from Lagos, Nigeria with family roots in Anambra State. Solu is concentrating in Economics and Computer Science. As development chair, he plans to secure corporate sponsors for the school year, to provide career development opportunities to our membership and funding. He also wants to support the board on the professional and financial side. Some of Solu’s hobbies include: sports (specifically soccer) and cooking (naija jollof on top). Solu is a part of Crimson Business and on the board of BMF. He works at the library on campus; and has a consulting internship for next summer. His advice to first years is to leverage the yard and meet as many people as you can. His favorite NSA memories are NSA Gala and Starboy. They were top tier!
Isa Salmanu ‘28
International Affairs Chair
Isa Salmanu is a Hausa sophomore in Dunster House from Abuja, Nigeria. Isa is concentrating in Economics and Computer Science. Isa plans to use his role in NSA to create a newsletter and make new connections with more people in Nigeria to help build a stronger sense of community. His hobbies include reading, going on walks, and exploring Boston. In addition to his NSA involvement, Isa serves as Treasurer for HASA, works with HSA, holds a position at the HKS library, and does research at HBS. Isa advises first years to take things slow and not trying to take on too much at once as they adjust to college life. His favorite NSA memory is the annual Gala, and he is super excited to help plan it this year!
Dani Ebaseh-Onofa ‘26
Senior Representative
Dani Ebaseh-Onofa is an Isoko senior in Cabot House from Edinburg, TX, with family roots in. Dani is concentrating in Computer Science and Neuroscience. Dani plans to engage the senior class with fun and exciting events and bridge the gap between class years to make the Nigerian and broader Black community more inviting. Outside of school, she enjoys working out, listening to music, and watching reality TV especially Love Island and Temptation Island. She is also involved in ABHW, PBHA ExperiMentors, and Omo Naija. For first years, she’d like to let them know that they should try to experience as much of Harvard as they can and take any possibility to learn from their peers and upperclassmen. Her favorite NSA memory is the annual NSA Gala, and she’s most looking forward to winning the jollof competition again.
Tolu Ademola ‘26
Senior Representative
Tolu Ademola is a Yoruba senior in Currier House from North Potomac, Maryland/ Birmingham, England, with family roots in Lagos, Nigeria. Tolu is concentrating in Mechanical Engineering. As NSA senior representative, Tolu plans to organize regular senior events, build a stronger alumni network, and support the board wherever possible. Tolu was the previous NSA Development Chair, enjoys graphic design and photography, currently serves as Vice President of Marketing for Harvard Undergraduate Sports Lab (HUSL) and is very active in the Currier House. Tolu’s favorite NSA memory is working on the NSA Gala last year. He’s looking forward to being “unc” for the next generation of Nigerians at Harvard and helping give back to a community that meant so much for him. His advice for first-years is to “stay consistent and composed” – don’t be too hard on yourself, everything will work out.
Harvard College Nigerian Students Association 