Letter to students from Ayo Falana, President of the Students' Union 2019 - 2021

Dear Students of Wolverhampton, 

I have been touched and moved by the many wonderful messages that I have received especially in the last few weeks as I approach the end of my year as President. It has been a great honour and privilege to serve as your President of this great Students’ Union where I have made many friends.   

The majority of you know that I was not born here but what you might not know is that I truly feel that I was made here! The Students’ Union is my life, the City of Wolverhampton is my home and the people that work here are like my family, the staff have become like my parents and the students are like my siblings. 

I never thought that I would be filled with so many emotions today. This really is the best job I have ever had. You have trusted me with the immense responsibility of making decisions that affect the lives of the 23,000 students at this great University. I want to say a massive thank you for putting your faith in me.  

Our University might not be high on the league table, however, what matters most is the difference we make in our society and community. I have met thousands of you and I am confident that you will go out there and do great and inspiring things in life. You are already on that journey- how could we forget our Nursing students who volunteered during the pandemic putting the needs of our communities first and accepting the risks to themselves and their families. 

I want to say a massive thank you to the staff of this great University especially the staff that go beyond to ensure that our students have a positive learning and teaching experience. I also want to thank the many unsung heroes such as our cleaners, security and catering staff all of whom play their part to support our students.  

The pandemic has dramatically changed all our lives and it has been tough for our students. My team and I have tried our best to serve you over the past two years and I am confident that the new incoming team will continue to strive to provide even more support and services and make a positive difference in the lives of our students.  

Finally, I will leave you with a quote from Prakhar Vichar “Our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”. I want you to always believe in your dreams because if you do not you already lost from the start. Nobody is going to see your dreams the way you see them; hence, you build your own future. 

Thank you and I wish you all the best. 

Ayokunle Falana 

President (2019-2021)