The Nigerian Student Association at UCLA: Building a Stronger Campus Community

At UCLA, the Nigerian Student Association (NSA) stands as a beacon of community and cultural pride. This student-run organization plays an important role in fostering connections among Nigerian students, promoting cultural awareness, and contributing to the broader UCLA community. Through a range of activities and initiatives like the 17th Annual Culture Show in partnership with Bounce, the NSA has established itself as a cornerstone of campus life, enriching the university experience for all.

Supporting Nigerian Students & Culture

The NSA’s extensive campus programming serves as a testament to their effort to teach students about Nigerian culture and its influence in African and Global culture. “Our overarching mission is to promote Nigerian culture and diversity and to teach both Nigerians and non-Nigerians about where they're from” said Victor Chinedu, President of the NSA in 2023-2024. 

The NSA organizes various events throughout the year that highlight the rich traditions, music, dance, and cuisine of Nigeria, bringing students together for community events on campus. These events provide a platform for Nigerian students to share their heritage with the broader UCLA community, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. Cultural nights, fashion shows, and food festivals are just a few examples of how the NSA brings the vibrant spirit of Nigeria to campus.

The Nigerian Student Association is also committed to promoting academic excellence among its members. The NSA offers study groups, and workshops on various academic topics to support students in their studies. Additionally, the association recognizes and celebrates the academic achievements of its members, encouraging a culture of excellence and motivation. Through these efforts, the NSA helps its members excel academically while building a supportive academic community where students can feel comfortable.

Connecting the Community

Creating lasting connections within the Nigerian and African community at UCLA is at the heart of the NSA's mission. Many of these activities not only help students form stronger bonds with one another but also encourage interactions with students from diverse African backgrounds. 

One such example of this is the East Meets West collab event between the NSA and the East African Student Association which was hosted on Bounce. In this event, both organizations showcased their cultures and collaborated to host an amazing, engaging event for the entire African community at UCLA and any other student who wanted to partake. This is one of many initiatives that focus on creating connections inside the African student community at UCLA.

Engaging with the Broader UCLA Community

Beyond the campus borders, the NSA engages with the broader UCLA community through outreach and service initiatives. The association participates in community service projects, charity events, and collaborations with other student organizations. These efforts not only benefit the entire campus but also provide valuable opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and give back to the campus. The NSA's commitment to community service is a good representation of its dedication to making a positive impact both on and off campus.

As the Nigerian Student Association continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to building a strong, vibrant community at UCLA remains unwavering. Through cultural celebrations, academic support, social events, and community engagement, the NSA enriches the university experience for all Nigerian students and the greater UCLA community at large. The association's contributions to campus life are a testament to the power of cultural pride and community spirit.

The Nigerian Student Association is part of a group of top student-run cultural organizations throughout the country that use Bounce to host events on campus. Other top cultural organizations that use Bounce to host events and build their community include the Indian Student Association at Arizona State University, and the Iranian Student Association at University of Texas at Austin. 

To learn more about Bounce’s innovative community and events hosting platform for schools, visit www.bouncelife.com.