“Just be yourself. Don’t change your behaviour because you want to get votes. Just keep it cool and I’m telling you are going to win.”
Onoriode Francis Osifo
Last year, Humber Polytechnic and University of Guelph-Humber students cast over 7,500 ballots during the IGNITE Election.
The IGNITE Election is more than casting your vote—it’s your chance to make a difference by electing a candidate or becoming a voice for your peers. You have the opportunity to run for the IGNITE Board of Directors (BOD), a team that serves as the bridge between students and the institution. The board makes major decisions that affect how IGNITE represents the student community.
In plain English, they can raise your concerns, improve your student life and amplify your voice to the institution!
We sat down with Onoriode Francis Osifo, the current chair of the board, to learn more about his role and what it’s like to be part of the BOD.
A journey to leadership
Osifo isn’t just a familiar face on campus—he’s practically everywhere. A third-year student in the bachelor of child and youth care program, his involvement in the campus community started way before he joined the IGNITE Board of Directors in 2024. From his role as an outreach assistant with Humber’s Black Student Support and Engagement to serving as an Academic Program Representative, his passion for helping others has always been evident.
“I just do a bunch of things around campus,” he said with a laugh.
Interestingly, running for the board wasn’t always on his radar.
At an IGNITE event, former chair Shanell Roye encouraged more Black students to consider taking part in student governance roles. Initially, Osifo didn’t give it much thought. However, people around him began urging him to run due to his leadership position and strong influence within the Black community on campus.
“When they said I should do that (run in the election), I was like, I believe if people believe in me. I can do this,” Osifo said.
The IGNITE Election is broken down into three periods: nominations, campaigning and voting week. The nomination period, in particular, may first feel intimidating. For example, this year, students at the Lakeshore and North campuses must gather 75 signatures to qualify. For Osifo, this was a walk in the park— he recalled collecting the required signatures within hours on the first day.
Whether it was his campaign team, the voluntary support from students or even professors mentioning him in their classes, Osifo emphasized he didn’t achieve success alone. He believes that having a strong presence and influence on campus before the election can make all the difference.
“I had already sold myself before the election,” Osifo said. “There were people I didn’t even know that were talking about me because I had already made some influence.”
And he’s not lying—I remember working during the 2024-2025 IGNITE Election voting week and approached a student to ask if they planned to vote. Their response was immediate.
“I already voted. Come on man, Francis (Osifo) is my guy.”
Experience on the board
Osifo compared his role on the IGNITE Board of Directors to that of a judge in a courtroom. As chair, his primary responsibility is to facilitate meetings, guide strategy and oversee critical decisions.
Working alongside nine other board members, Osifo values the diverse perspectives they bring to the table, which allows them to make thoughtful, impactful and wise decisions.
However, Osifo doesn’t shy away from admitting that his role isn’t easy.
“It comes with a lot of sacrifice. I have a lot of meetings, interviews; a lot of things going around. But it’s a good experience so far, I love it,” Osifo said.
He emphasized that serving on the board has not only strengthened his interpersonal skills but has also opened doors to different opportunities. From meeting Premier Doug Ford to preparing for a meeting at Queen’s Park with multiple MPPs, the role has given him a platform to engage in different conversations.
Osifo added that this experience sharpens his communication, strategic thinking and decision-making abilities. Yet, as someone who is a natural extrovert, adapting to the behind-the-scenes nature of the role was initially challenging, but now, this shift in perspective has become one of the most fulfilling aspects of his position.
“Those decisions we make on paper and behind the scenes make a big impact,” Osifo said. “Even though I may not be on the streets (talking to students), I’m actually making a big impact by making strategic decisions.”
With the IGNITE Election nomination period approaching in January 2025, Osifo encourages students to take part and run. For him, serving on the board has shown him what he wants to do in life: become a lawyer.
His advice to aspiring candidates?
“Just be yourself. Don’t change your behaviour because you want to get votes. Just keep it cool and I’m telling you are going to win.”
Beyond his passion for student leadership, Osifo has been playing drums since the age of six. He’s also an author, having published a poetry book in 2015 titled 50 Letters of Hope.
Follow in his footsteps
If you want to connect with Osifo, his email is available on the IGNITE Board of Directors web page.
The board comprises ten members, all working toward the shared mission of representing Humber and UofGH students and strengthening the connection between faculty and students.
If you are interested in stepping into this leadership role, the 2025-2026 IGNITE Election nomination period will run from Jan. 13, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., to Jan. 26, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Use your time wisely. Go out on campus, engage with students, gather support and launch your campaign for the 2025-2026 IGNITE Election.
If you have any election-related questions, reach out to us on Instagram @shareignite.
Feature image courtesy of IGNITE.
Are you a major in procrastination? Learn more about procrastination impacts and how to kick it away!
Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for all things student life.
