Orinari Francis Wokoma has made his mark on MSVU through student leadership positions, ensuring that graduate student perspectives were meaningfully represented.
Orinari notably served as Vice President of Research & Graduate Student Affairs with the MSVU Students’ Union (2025-2026), and as Graduate Student Representative for Child and Youth Study (2024-2026). He also was a member of Senate and multiple Senate Standing Committees throughout his time with the Students’ Union.
His contributions to research at MSVU have been impactful too. As a research assistant on multiple projects focused on child and youth well‑being, he has demonstrated a strong ability to translate theory into practice. Orinari has been actively involved in student advocacy through the Canadian Federation of Students, engaging with Senators, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Legislative Assembly on issues related to post-secondary education and student well-being.
In the community he serves as a Support Services Volunteer with the Metro Care & Share Society, supporting at-risk youth in Halifax. Looking ahead, Orinari intends to contribute to society through research and policy work that bridges theory and practice, improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.
Orinari will deliver his valedictory address during the spring 2026 convocation on Thursday, May 14 at 10 a.m. You can watch the ceremony via MSVU’s Facebook and YouTube pages. We asked Orinari to tell us more about his time at MSVU and what’s next for him. Read on to learn more about Orinari.
Hometown: Buguma City, Rivers State, Nigeria
Current city/town: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Degree being awarded: Master of Arts in Child and Youth Study (MACYS)
Previous education completed: Post-graduate Diploma – Psychology; Postgraduate Diploma – Education; Bachelor of Science (Honours) Management
Q. What/who is your most memorable class, professor, project or learning activity? Why?
A memorable class was Critical Perspectives in Child and Youth Study, facilitated by Dr. Sarah Reddington, who also served as my thesis supervisor. This course significantly improved my critical lens through engaging conversations and learning activities such as mind mapping, infographics, and journal reflections. It challenged me to think beyond binaries and to critically engage with policies and systems in ways that are reflexive, nuanced, and culturally relevant.
Q. What is your proudest accomplishment from your time at MSVU?
My proudest accomplishment is the successful completion and defence of my thesis. This achievement represents not only an academic milestone, but also an alignment of my career path with meaningful contributions to policy and practice aimed at improving outcomes for children, youth and families. In addition, the launch of the Technology Assistance Program (TAP) and the relaunch of the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition stand out as key accomplishments during my time in the Students’ Union.
Q. What is your favourite MSVU memory?
Serving in the Students’ Union and collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to advance initiatives that support the broader university community. I also valued the opportunity to engage in advocacy beyond the walls of the institution, meeting with Senators, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Legislative Assembly to represent student voices.
Q. What kept you motivated during challenging moments?
A strong sense of purpose kept me going. I saw myself as a channel that brings hope and encouragement to my fellow students, particularly those students navigating similar challenges. I recognize that this journey was an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to my community and help create safer, more supportive spaces. This awareness made challenges less discouraging and instead became a motivation to persevere in service.
Q. What value or lesson from your time at MSVU will you carry forward?
I will carry forward the values of love, empathy, and a genuine commitment to others. Living in this consciousness has broken barriers and reinforced the importance of embracing diversity, fostering inclusion, and engaging with others with a deeper understanding and intentionality.
Q. Do you have any advice for students just starting out?
Be intentional about your journey. Engage deeply with your learning and be open-minded in building meaningful relationships. Do not be afraid to ask questions and always remember that you are on a journey towards becoming. As Stephen Covey reminds us, “begin with the end in mind, never settle for the normative, rather than accommodate change, remain open to growth, continuous self-improvement, and positively impact your spheres of influence.”
Q. What’s next for you?
I intend to continue within the research and policy space, contributing to the development of policies and systems that improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. My focus is on giving back to society through meaningful work while bridging research, policy, and practice in ways that are both critical and impactful.
Q. What word best describes your time at MSVU—and why?
Transformative. It reshaped my perspective, and deepened my thinking, engagement, and contributions within diverse academic and social spaces.
Q. What’s a small joy that got you through your degree?
Moments of quiet reflection in the library helped me to accept what was beyond my control and to reset and refocus. I was also fortunate to have the support of my family, faculty, staff, and the Students’ Union team during challenging periods.
Q. If your MSVU experience had a soundtrack, what song would be on it?
My experience would be reflected in two soundtracks – “Rise Up” by Andra Day and “Destiny” by Buju Banton. “Rise Up” reflects resilience, purpose, and a quiet determination to keep moving forward despite challenges, while “Destiny” reflects a strong sense of purpose and self-determination, emphasizing that one must actively shape their path.