Student leader celebrated for outstanding contribution to student life at the University of Chester

Kaleka Nuka, 28, from Nigeria, is set to graduate from the University later this month with a Distinction in a Master’s in Public Health. 

Senior staff across the University consistently commended her professionalism, insight and unwavering commitment to equity and public service. 

Throughout her time at Chester, Kaleka demonstrated herself to be a committed student leader. She served as both a Cohort Representative and Sluice Club representative, organising academic support sessions in collaboration with Learning Facilitators and championing peer learning and engagement. She also played a key role in the University of Chester Public Health Society, where she continues to support its development. 

As a University of Chester Race Advocate, Kaleka contributed significantly to improving inclusion and student experience, particularly for international students and those from Black, Asian and other Ethnic Minority backgrounds. Her work included co‑creating a widely used catering awareness video shown across campuses, organising the Sharing Our Culture diversity event, contributing to the Pathways to Success project and consulting with departments across the University to enhance accessibility, communication and equity. She also developed a Race Advocacy and Equity course proposal, now being refined for institutional use, and represented the University at the Widening Participation Conference in Glasgow. 

Her contributions extended into the Careers and Employability team, where she worked as an Event Assistant and Graduate Call Advisor. She led focus groups, produced evaluative reports, moderated employer–student panels, and supported initiatives such as reverse mentoring and the Skills and Strengths Exchange - work that strengthened graduate engagement and informed service improvements. 

Beyond the University, Kaleka has volunteered with NHS mental health services, the British Heart Foundation and the Drug Free Project, where she co-ordinates recovery and rehabilitation initiatives. Alongside this, she has completed extensive professional development in global health, mental health, monitoring and evaluation, policy advocacy and implementation science. 

She recently became the Rehabilitation and Recovery Team Lead for a nationally scaled NGO in Nigeria and has secured a role in the UK that aligns with her passion for public health and higher education. 

Looking ahead, she is focused on contributing to research, pursuing leadership opportunities and continuing her volunteer work in community mental health.

She is also working with her family to launch a charity in both Nigeria and the UK. 

Kaleka describes her time at Chester as “transformative”, highlighting personal and professional milestones - from meeting her partner and forming lifelong friendships to representing the University at fully-funded conferences in Glasgow, at the Petty Pool Neuro‑Inclusion Summit and an upcoming scientific conference in Edinburgh. 

Kaleka said she chose to study Public Health because she realised many of the health challenges she had encountered were not just clinical but systemic. As a medical doctor, she saw how social determinants, policy gaps and structural inequalities shaped outcomes long before patients reached the hospital. 

She said that the the MPH gave her a “broader lens” - helping her to understand population‑level patterns, prevention strategies and the impact of policy on access to care. Its interdisciplinary nature aligned with her interests in mental health, health systems strengthening and equity‑focused interventions, while also strengthening her analytical and leadership skills. 

Kaleka said: “I was drawn to Chester almost immediately. It felt peaceful, safe and conducive for me. Whenever I travel out of Chester, no matter how much fun I’m having, I always long to come back. 

“There are so many things I am grateful for. On a personal level, I met my partner here and he has been a massive support and contributor to all the success I have achieved. Secondly, I have made lifelong friends, teachers and mentors and I’m thankful for my friendship and professional circle. Thirdly, I had the opportunity to be one of the delegates from University for the Widening Participation Conference in Glasgow and to attend the Petty Pool Neuro-Inclusion. I was so grateful to be in the room for these opportunities.” 

Kaleka urges other students to make the most of the opportunities available at Chester. 

She added the opportunities to gain work experience through the Careers and Employability team had helped her professional networks and volunteering had helped with her confidence. 

She said: “The opportunities available at Chester are so important giving you the chance to develop your skills. It helps you build your professional network especially as an international student. It gives you visibility, which comes in very handy when opportunities are available. It is too important. Any opportunity you get to serve, to contribute, even on a volunteer basis, maximise it. I try to do so as much as possible.” 

Kaleka’s plans include working in higher education, continuing to volunteer with the community mental health team and considering a PhD. 

Rebecca Nethercott, Career Consultant Team Leader, said: “Kaleka has been so refreshing and amazing to work with. She has supported Careers and Employability in making CareerHub and our resources, more accessible to students and graduates. Her enthusiasm is contagious and we have had some great conversations.” 

Stephanie Jones, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Programme Lead for the Master’s of Public Health, said: “Kaleka’s impact is evidenced by consistent commendation from senior University staff for her professionalism, insight, and advocacy. She has demonstrated outstanding commitment to equity, inclusion, and public service, leaving a lasting legacy across multiple areas of university and community