Candidate Questions – President (Societies & Community)
As part of the process of applying to be a candidate in the Student Elections 2026, all candidates were asked to answer two questions alongside submitting their manifesto.
The questions they had to answer all related directly to the role they had applied for. This allows voters to see what candidates would do in specific areas if they were elected.
Below you can see how each candidate running for President (Societies & Community) answered their two questions. Have a read through – it might just help decide who you vote for!
If elected, what would you do to address the issues faced by students around housing?
Emeka Orji
I would work closely with the University, home owners, Edinburgh Council, and other stakeholders to curate affordable housing schemes for students.
I would want to work closely with real estate developers to help provide varied options for affordable student housing, that will be sustainable, inclusive, and easily accessible to our various campuses.
I would also advocate for the safety, and protection of the rights of students, especially for private accommodations. Students need to feel safe, and feel at home whilst living and studying in Edinburgh.
Idowu Ogunjobi
I will work with national organizations, such as the NUS, to advocate for fairer rents and better-quality housing for all students.
Kase Garriock
I will continue to advocate for students’ housing rights as previous presidents have done. In particular, I will ensure students can access information on their housing rights, financial advice, accommodation searching tips, and what to do if being unfairly treated by a landlord or housing association through the Napier/ENSA websites, workshops, or meetings with ENSA advisors.
I think it could be a positive step to create ties with Living Rent (a national tenants union in Scotland) – not only could we encourage students to join Living Rent in supporting others, but it would also give students another support system in relation to housing rights – this may be particularly useful for those students renting privately. This could potentially lead to Living Rent workshops or events in the Napier community as well.
I would proudly attend protests, talks, and events that are related to student housing - or any struggles facing our students – and be a voice advocating for our community at these events. Following this, in my general life, I would advocate for affordable housing for all in Edinburgh and Scotland – if rents are good for others, they should also get better for our students.
Mohsin Alli
Housing is one of the biggest pressures students face, and while the university controls accommodation, the Students’ Union has a responsibility to represent, support, and advocate.
If elected, I would focus on three key areas:
First, representation and advocacy.
I would actively raise student housing concerns with the university and accommodation providers, especially around affordability, quality, and contract fairness. Student voices need to be heard clearly and consistently at decision-making tables.
Second, support and information.
I would work to ensure students — particularly international students and first-years — have clear guidance on housing options, contracts, and their rights, so no one feels lost or taken advantage of.
Third, community and communication.
I would collaborate with societies and relevant student groups to gather feedback on housing issues and make sure concerns are communicated transparently, with regular updates on what is being pushed forward.
Housing affects wellbeing, finances, and academic life.
While I can’t solve everything overnight, I can promise to listen, speak up, and push for real improvements on behalf of students.
Rania Abooki
If elected, I would address student housing issues through advocacy, partnership, and clear student representation. I would work closely with ENSA, the University, and external housing and advice organisations to ensure student concerns are consistently raised and acted upon.
I would prioritise listening to students’ lived experiences, particularly international students and those in private accommodation, to identify recurring issues such as affordability, safety, and poor conditions. I would then bring these concerns directly into conversations with University leadership and relevant housing forums, ensuring student voices are reflected in decision-making.
I would also support clearer signposting to housing advice, support services, and reporting mechanisms, so students know where to go when problems arise. Where possible, I would advocate for practical improvements, including better communication around accommodation options and student rights.
My focus would be on making housing issues visible, taken seriously, and addressed through sustained dialogue rather than one-off conversations, so students feel supported and represented throughout their time at Edinburgh Napier University.
Siddhartha Reddy
If I were elected to address the specific housing challenges faced by international students, my platform would go beyond general student housing needs to address the barriers... financial, legal, and social.
- Eliminating the "UpFront Rent" barrier: It is one of the biggest hurdles for international students is being asked for 6 - 12 months of rent upfront because they lack a UK-based guarantor.
- Financial Fairness: The cost of living for international students has risen sharply, with maintenance requirements now exceeding £1,170 per month in many areas... I would work to ensure that the Home Office's "proof of funds" requirements are more closely aligned with actual local rents, preventing students from being "blindsided" by costs that are higher than their visa requirements suggest.
- Contract Protection: Many international students need 9 months or 10-month contracts rather than 12-month ones. I would incentivize Student Accommodation providers to offer flexible terms that match academic cycles.
If elected, how would you work with student societies?
Emeka Orji
Collaboration is key. In building a community, or Society, or Student club, students will have to come together as a group or team. The core functionality of a society or community is togetherness, that feeling that you belong. I would love to encourage every student to identify a society, community, or club to join. I would also create an enabling environment for students to create a new society that matches their passion, and interest. This will help students identify like-minded peers, and it will foster team-bonding.
We have 3 beautiful campuses, I would love to curate events that will enable students visit, and enjoy the wonderful resources available on each campus. Example; ENGAGE Gym at Sighthill is a world-class standard gym but some students at Merchiston and Craiglockhart have no idea that the gym membership is available to them at an affordable membership fee.
I would encourage collaboration between various societies, there is strength in our diversity. I would also leverage on the strength and number of our Alumni (100k+) to strengthen most of the societies, by arranging online and in-person workshops to encourage students. This will inspire, motivate, and build a strong sense of belonging to students. Hearing and seeing successful Alumni who engaged in societal and communal activities will boost confidence, and participation.
I would love to have a "Collabo Week", where different societies showcase their different talents, and projects. This event will help students appreciate the diversity we have in ENU, with International students from over 100 countries. It will help bring awareness to the various societies that might not have been known or just obscure.
Idowu Ogunjobi
I will be a visible and approachable friend to societies by simplifying their paperwork, helping them plan better events, and hosting regular drop-in sessions at all three campuses to solve their problems in person.
Kase Garriock
I will continue the good work of previous presidents in supporting our student societies. I visit each of the societies throughout the year to see what they’re up to and try get involved. I could use this opportunity to check if they need any extra support with anything, promote the societies on social media, and create relationships with committee members so I’m someone they know and can turn to. I would try to support societies with anything they may need – such as tips on setting up a committee, organising events, and promoting those events to students. I would also be sure to contact societies about events they may be interested in, whether that’s throughout Napier or in the wider community.
I think it would be important to have regular anonymous feedback forms that committees or society members can fill out, so we know what we can do to improve support for societies. This would not just be a tick-the-box form; I would be sure to read through and thoroughly see if there is anything I can do to make these requests happen – I would then send out an email to address concerns raised and detail how I plan to tackle them. This not only gives the students a voice, but also holds the president to account in addressing any issues.
Mohsin Alli
If elected, my approach to working with student societies would be collaborative, transparent, and hands-on.
First, I would listen.
I would regularly meet with society leaders through open forums and informal check-ins, so their concerns, ideas, and challenges are heard directly — not filtered or delayed.
Second, I would support, not complicate.
I would work to make processes like funding, events, and communication clearer and more accessible, especially for smaller and newer societies that often feel overlooked.
Third, I would represent societies strongly.
I would make sure society voices are clearly represented in Students’ Union discussions and raise their issues with the university when needed.
Most importantly, I would be present and approachable. Societies should see their president as someone they can talk to easily and rely on to follow through.
My goal is simple: to help societies thrive and build a stronger, more connected student community.
Rania Abooki
If elected, I would work closely with student societies by being visible, approachable, and actively involved in their development. I would prioritise listening to societies directly to understand their challenges, ideas, and support needs, particularly around engagement, wellbeing, and sustainability.
I would regularly engage with the Societies Forum and create open opportunities for society leaders to share feedback, collaborate, and learn from one another. I would also work with ENSA staff to ensure societies feel supported rather than overwhelmed by processes, and that communication between societies and the Students’ Association remains clear and responsive.
I am especially keen to support societies as spaces for connection, wellbeing, and skill development. I would highlight the role societies play in building confidence, employability, and a sense of belonging, encouraging wider participation across campuses.
My aim would be to help societies not only run smoothly, but to thrive as inclusive, welcoming communities that enrich the student experience at Edinburgh Napier University.
Siddhartha Reddy
If I were elected to represent you, My strategy would focus on empowering your independence, securing your funding, and integrating your expertise into policy making.
So what’s next?
Now that you have read through how the candidates have responded to the role questions, it’s time to decide who you want to vote for as Napier’s next President (Societies & Community).
Head to www.napierstudents.com/elections to find out more about all the candidates for all three roles, read their manifestos and make your decision.
Voting will be open from Monday 9 March (8am) to Thursday 12 March (3pm). It takes only a couple of minutes to vote, and you could win an amazing prize in our lucky draw!