Wantoe T. Wantoe is no stranger to leadership- having previously held positions in Liberia, The Somerville MCR, Africa Oxford Society and now aiming for a coveted role in the Student Union. I sat down with him recently to discuss his manifesto and listen to some of his main ideas as part of a new series documenting the political campaigns of African students at Oxford!
Here are some key highlights from our conversation to help you get a better sense of Wantoe as a candidate:
To start off with, what inspired you to take on this campaign? And tell me a bit more about how your experiences have contributed to making you a leader?
As a postgraduate student navigating Oxford’s challenges firsthand, I’ve seen how financial hardship, mental health struggles, and underrepresentation affect students—particularly international students and those from marginalised backgrounds.
My experience as a Liberian student, a former National Orator, and an advocate at the United Nations and the African Union has given me a deep understanding of systemic inequities and the ability to challenge institutions for meaningful change.
At Oxford, I’ve worked within the Somerville MCR, Social Sciences Division, and Oxford Africa Conference to ensure that underrepresented voices are heard. My perspective is shaped by a commitment to advocacy and a strong belief that Oxford’s policies must work for all students, not just a privileged few.
EDI (Equity, diversity and inclusion) has been a contentious topic lately, and thrown around quite loosely in universities across the UK. Most students who are African feel underwhelmed o left out with ideas of inclusion. What would a truly effective EDI strategy look like under your leadership?
Oxford’s current EDI efforts lack measurable impact. As a black, African who came to the UK and felt uneasy at several points, I know firsthand the importance of EDI in our experiences, and Moreso the necessity for it to be done well. It will take a considerable amount of work, but for now, let me lay out a few ideas that I intednd to enage with deeply in my tenure. Under my leadership, EDI would mean actionable policies, such as mandatory anti-discrimination training for faculty and staff and the implementation of a dedicated postgraduate EDI committee to ensure diverse voices shape university policies.
I will also collaborate with student societies to drive meaningful cultural integration, recognising that diversity goes beyond mere representation and must include cross-cultural dialogue, mentorship, and active inclusion efforts.
Careers are at the top of almost all postgraduates’ concerns. The fact is, it’s getting harder and harder to find meaningful employment after graduating, even at Oxford. How will you ensure career services are more tailored to postgraduate needs, particularly for non-traditional career paths?
The University prides itself on producing top-tier graduates, but career support remains largely tailored toward undergraduate pathways, leaving many postgraduates without the necessary guidance and opportunities for post-graduation employment.
Currently, 52% of international postgraduate students at Oxford come from Europe (representing 9% of the global population), while only 4% come from Africa (which represents 18% of the world’s population). This disparity in representation highlights the need for a more inclusive career development strategy that ensures students from all regions and backgrounds receive equal access to job opportunities, funding, and mentorship.
As Postgraduate Officer, I will work alongside Career Services to make employment opportunities more visible, tailored, and accessible, ensuring postgraduate career development becomes a core priority. I will also create a centralized postgraduate job database, tracking opportunities across departments, colleges, and external partnerships to ensure that career options are not fragmented and difficult to access.
The role of postgraduate officer is challenging and can be time-consuming. How do you stay motivated, and what would success look like at the end of your tenure?
Change at Oxford can be slow and frustrating, but I remain motivated by the belief that policy reforms, no matter how small, have lasting impacts.
In 2023, while running for Oxford SU Presidency, I faced the possibility of suspension from Pembroke College due to financial constraints—a reality that far too many postgraduate students endure. Instead of accepting this, I successfully campaigned for one-year postgraduate students to gain access to Oxford’s hardship program, ensuring vital financial support. This victory enabled me to graduate from Pembroke College and Oxford University, earning my Master’s in Public Policy from the Blavatnik School of Government, and set a precedent for supporting students facing financial distress.
My motivation comes from seeing real student concerns translated into tangible improvements—whether that means securing hardship funding for a struggling student, expanding mental health support, or ensuring international postgraduates receive proper career guidance. Success, for me, would mean breaking the cycle of disengagement and making the Oxford SU truly representative of postgraduate needs.
At the end of my tenure, I want postgraduates to feel that their voices were heard, their concerns were addressed, and their university experience was meaningfully improved. I am determined to advocate for real change, challenge inequalities, and ensure that every postgraduate student at Oxford feels supported and empowered.
This is more than just an election—it is about ensuring that every postgraduate, regardless of background, college, or discipline, has an Oxford experience where they can truly thrive.
Finally, do you have any specific message for the African Community at Oxford University?
In 2023, I had the privilege of receiving Afrisoc’s endorsement when I contested for a position in the Student Council Government. Your support was instrumental in amplifying my vision, and I remain deeply grateful.
I have since remained a duly active member of Afrisoc, continuing to serve as Co-Convener of the Oxford Africa Conference and playing an active role in the society’s initiatives. Beyond my leadership role, I have proudly represented Afrisoc in various capacities, Including being a part of the fantastic Afrisoc Debate Team which debated against Imperial and returned victorious—a testament to the strength of our collective voices in shaping critical discourse.
My commitment to student advocacy, equitable policies, and community empowerment remains unwavering. As Oxford SU Postgraduate Officer, I will continue to champion the voices of all postgraduate including African students at Oxford, push for stronger representation, and work towards meaningful reforms that address financial hardship, mental health support, access to healthcare services, career opportunities, and sustainability.
If you would like to vote for Wantoe Wantoe, do so here!
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