Student union chief visits town’s college

National Union of Students vice-president of further education Shakira Martin visits Oldham College to meet students. (Back left to right) Saleh Mohamed, Rebecca Norton, Paul Owens, Jessica Nicholls, John Cash. ( Front left to right) Melanie Greenwood, Shakira Martin, Kelton Lee, Joseph Wolstenholme.

STUDENT union members at Oldham College were given a boost when they were visited by the national vice president of the National Union of Students yesterday.

Shakira Martin, who is vice-president for further education, travelled from London after being invited by the college to speak to members of the student union.

During her visit, Shakira offered advice to union members on their campaign work.

She also spoke about her campaign #FEUnplugged against the government’s area reviews of further education, and took a tour of the site.

The 27-year-old, from south-east London, said: “It’s my first time in Oldham but I’m really pleased to be here.

“The National Union of Students represents 4.1 million students and its important for me to be here when my members ask me to come.

“It’s important to have a student union because we need a voice that represents students and that has direct access to policy and decision makers.”

Melanie Greenwood (17), chief executive of the Oldham College students union, said: “It has been great having Shakira here.

“Speaking to her has really opened our eyes as to how much further we can go as a union.”