PhD student Olayinka Moses was one of four Victoria International students who received awards at the inaugural Wellingtion International Student Excellence Awards held at Parliament on 14 October 2016.

PhD student Olayinka Moses was one of four Victoria International students who received awards at the inaugural Wellington International Student Excellence Awards held at Parliament on 14 October 2016.

Presented by Deputy Prime Minister Hon Bill English, the awards recognise the region’s twelve best all round international students and Yinka was rated as the equal best of the group.

Olayinka, whose home country is Nigeria, is undertaking a PhD in Financial Reporting and Financial Management at Victoria.

Yinka, as he is affectionately known, was recognised for his excellent academic achievements and contributions to the community.

He has just completed service as President of the Postgraduate Students’ Association for 2015/16, a demanding position that involves representation of postgraduate students across a number of University fora including the Academic Board and Academic Committee.

Yinka has helped to organise multiple academic and social events at Victoria and contributed to a number of charities in New Zealand.

“International students make up an important part of our student community, bringing diverse perspectives, cultures and languages to the University environment,” says Victoria Vice-Chancellor Grant Guilford.

“It is fantastic to see the hard work of four of Victoria’s students acknowledged, for their achievements in the academic and sporting field, as well as their contribution to the university and wider Wellington community.”

Award winners’ family and friends were also present to congratulate and participate in the occasion, and Yinka acknowledged Education Wellington for recognising the achievements and contributions of international students in Wellington.

“I’m very delighted to receive this award and would like to thank Education Wellington.
“I have received tremendous support from the Craig Buck Andrews Scholarship I hold, and from my School to attend top conferences and network with leading scholars.

“I’m also very thankful to my Supervisors Professor Tony van Zijl and Dr. Noor Houqe, who have supported and encouraged me to attain this and several other achievements.

Yinka also had praise for Wellington as a learning environment.

“Living in Wellington is a good opportunity to appreciate the institutional contrast between New Zealand and developing countries that is helping me understand good governance practices that would be useful when I return back to my country.

“In sum, my experience in Wellington is more than just an academic one, but a complete life-learning experience.”

Well done ‘Yinka!

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