Inspired by her daughter’s fight, Oluchi finds her calling in Nursing
Oluchi Emma Okoroafor is an award-winning, final-year postgraduate student who was inspired to study nursing after seeing the incredible care staff gave to her daughter, who was born prematurely.
After already establishing a career as a Mass Communication lecturer in her home country of Nigeria, she undertook a radical career change following the premature birth of her daughter. “In 2016, I came to the UK to do my PhD in Media Studies – just two years into that programme, I had a very pre-term baby that came at 24 weeks”, Oluchi said.
“Seeing the excellent care she received at the neo-natal unit of Royal Preston Hospital, I began to question my career pathway. Yes, I have a background in communication, but rather than just telling other people’s stories I realised that I want to be a part of the stories that my patients will tell in the future – in fact, I found my true calling and purpose in nursing.”
Leading with compassion and collaboration
Being an international student herself and befriending many other international students during her time at the ϳԹ, Oluchi set up SWAB (Student-led Wellbeing and Academic Buddying), with her personal tutor Chidinma Victory Oforji, which aims to help students struggling with stress, isolation and academic challenges.
It also aims to help international students to integrate into the United Kingdom’s education system and foster connections, mentorship and a sense of belonging.
From adversity to achievement
Though she is only starting out in her career, Oluchi has already received a number of accolades for her work, including being awarded ‘Health Support Worker of the Year’ from the prestigious Black Healthcare Awards, and being shortlisted for both the ‘Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion’ and ‘Student Nurse of the Year: Adult’ at the 2025 Student Nursing Times Awards. Most recently, she was shortlisted in an incredible five categories for the 2026 Student Nursing Times Awards.
“The feeling is surreal”, Oluchi said, speaking of her achievements being recognised, “the feeling was so fantastic, but at the same time, humbling. The irony, or the blessing in it was, the same day I got an email that I had been shortlisted for two categories, was the same day my daughter was on life support at Preston Hospital.
“Even in the midst of my tears, even in the midst of my troubles, you’ve given me a new hope, you’ve given me a reason to be joyful again. Even though I didn’t win the award, I was so proud of myself, and so grateful.
“For me, these recognitions are bigger than my name, they represent every student out there who might be doubting in themselves, and especially international students, who are also mature students.”
Oluchi's excellent achievements have covered both classrooms and clinical areas, and in spring this year, the Clinical Educators at Bolton NHS Trust recognised Oluchi with an award for excellent care delivery. Later this year, a group of Dutch nursing students will be visiting Manchester, and she has been selected to be one of their speakers, following the success of her help during the same trip last year.
Making a difference together
Ahead of her graduation in summer next year, Oluchi was able to secure a role on the respiratory ward at the Bolton NHS Trust. She attributes support from her husband, personal tutor, clinical mentors, lecturers and friends as a big help towards achieving her set goals.
“With good lecturers, a very good network around you and if you work hard and pray to God, I believe that every effort will be noticed and will be rewarded.
“I knew that I had made the right choice with choosing the ϳԹ. This university gave me opportunities to lead, to publish, to impact, to teach, and to represent the University across the globe.
“ϳԹ didn’t just train me to be a nurse, but it helped me to discover the kind of nurse I am meant to be. I can confidently say – and scream it – I will remain unstoppable.”
Find out more about Oluchi's course here: MSc Nursing | ϳԹ
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