Founded in 2004 by a group of Nigerian undergraduate students, Harvard College Nigerian Students Association has grown, both in numbers and in respect, to become one of the leading organizations for students on campus.

Based on the common culture and values of Nigerian and Nigerian American students on campus, Harvard’s Nigerian Students Association (NSA) has worked to create a community for Nigerians to come together and to spread an appreciation for Nigerian culture throughout campus through various activities and events.

Reconnect Africa spoke to Omolade Sogade, Treasurer of the NSA, and her team about the Nigerian Students Association and its efforts to support Nigeria’s development.

ReConnect Africa:   What was the inspiration behind setting up the Association?

Omolade:   As Nigerians comprise the largest group of African students on campus, the Nigerian Students Association was originally created as a space in which Nigerian students on campus could share their experiences and aspects of Nigerian culture with each other and with members of the Harvard community.

As the organization has matured, it has expanded its objectives to educate Harvard students and the community at large about issues of relevance to Nigerian life both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.

ReConnect Africa:   How many members do you have and how diverse is your membership?

Chinonye:   We have about forty regular members and our membership is quite diverse, as we don't limit membership to only Nigerians. Although one of our priorities is to create a space for Nigerians to celebrate our culture on campus, we also aim to spread awareness about Nigeria and Nigerians in the diaspora. To that end, we welcome anyone who is interested in learning about Nigeria.

ReConnect Africa:   What issues do you think African students in general, and Nigerian students in particular, face during their studies abroad?

Tochi:   Overall, the biggest challenge that African students studying abroad face is the cultural transition required to adapt to a new way of living that they are not accustomed to.

Many Africans in the United States, for example, have very different cultural environments back home and must develop ways to adjust to being away from home for long periods of time and make themselves comfortable in a new environment.

ReConnect Africa:   What kind of activities does the Association undertake?

Chinonye:   Our association has many events that are targeted towards Nigerians and the greater Harvard community. Our biggest event of the year is our annual Independence Day Gala, which we’ve held for the past four years. We collaborate with Nigerian graduate students to host both the gala and an after party.

We also have a Fall Feast where we collaborate with the Harvard African Students Association to organize a community-created meal in which students cook foods representative of countries all over the continent. All proceeds from the event are then donated to a charity.

In the spring, NSA participates in Africa Week to spread awareness about current issues in Nigeria and other African countries. Throughout the year, we also invite speakers to discuss topics of interest concerning Nigeria, hold Nollywood movie nights, go to African restaurants for dinner, and have “learn-to-cook” events in which students can learn how to prepare Nigerian dishes.

ReConnect Africa:   How does the Association reach out to other Africans and to American students?

Omolade:   Our organization reaches out to students through events aimed to educate the community about Nigeria and with publicity mainly through social media, email, and word of mouth. We at times entice students with the promise of a meat pie or fried plantains or some other treat, but we strive to draw in students by the warm community we create.

ReConnect Africa:   What impact has the Association had within Harvard since its inception?

Ope:   Since its inception, the Nigerian Students Association has become one of the largest Nigerian student groups in New England, as well as a recognized black student organization on Harvard campus. NSA's largest event, our annual Independence Day Gala which is in its 4th year has now become one of the largest Nigerian events in Boston, drawing students from various graduate schools, MIT, Wellesley, Tufts, and many other area schools.

The event has brought prominent Nigerian entertainers and musicians to Harvard for a wonderfully entertaining celebration of Nigerian music, dance, fashion, and of course food. This year's event was held on October 12th at Wasserstein Hall at Harvard Law School.

These events have also allowed NSA to bridge the gap between Nigerians and non-Nigerians on Harvard's campus, providing a time when they can come and learn more about our culture firsthand, as well as the historical significance of our Independence and national journey. For our membership, NSA has been a communal space for students of all years and backgrounds to bond over their mutual love of Nigerian culture and heritage, sharing their diverse interests and passions with one another, as well as reaching back to help those coming behind them through our burgeoning mentorship program.

ReConnect Africa:   How does the Association support the professional development of its graduates as future leaders of Nigeria?

Omolade:   As we look ahead, our organization would love to do as much as possible to bridge the gap between the U.S. and Nigeria by positively influencing current members who will one day become future leaders in business, the arts, literature, entertainment, and media that are now members of our organization.

For example, we are currently working with career development firms to help our membership gain exposure to the working world and career opportunities.

ReConnect Africa:   How can Nigerians and other Africans support the activities of HNSA?

Omolade:   The Harvard Nigerian Students Association relies on the generous assistance of benefactors willing to invest in the potential and education of a new crop of leaders for the United States, Nigeria and the world.

We would gladly accept support through donations of any amount and in any form towards our cause. By sponsorship, spreading the word about our cause, and providing suggestions for speakers, events, or ways to improve our efforts, interested parties would greatly contribute to the work of the HNSA.