Although it’s a long way from Nigeria, Josiah Alamu has made Iowa City his home for the past two years —- along with making himself a familiar name.

Alamu, president of the University of Iowa’s African Student Association, has done amazing things for the organization since his election last summer.

“I noticed when I came to Iowa the African students’ activities were moribund, and I promised to revitalize it as soon as possible,” he said.

Among the changes, he has planned events such as the association’s participation with the Indian Cultural Organization in a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina victims, a soccer match with Chinese students and a lecture by a scholar from South Africa to mark Martin Luther King Jr. day.

Not only does Alamu create and encourage the diverse interactions between students at UI, he also is attempting to increase the enrollment of African students.

“If (the students) only could have the opportunity of coming abroad to study, Africa can produce the Einsteins of tomorrow,” he said.

Alamu believes that if he and others can influence the policy makers at UI to provide more financial assistance and awareness about standardized testing to students in Africa, his dream of increased enrollment can be fulfilled.

“Some people think that in Africa all you see is lions on the street,” he said. “But there is so much more than that. There are over a million bright students wasting away on those streets.”

With persuasion and encouragement, Alamu thinks that the number of students from Africa will increase. He also thinks that with the knowledge these students gain, they can help develop Africa.

“My motto has been ‘If you work hard now, there is a better tomorrow,’” he said. “In essence, rest is sweet after labor.”

— Christine Rojewski

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