The National Union of Students (NUS) has voted for Shaima Dallali as its new national president.
Dallali, who is the President of City, University of London Students’ Union, was confirmed as the next NUS UK president following a vote at the student body’s annual conference in Liverpool on Monday.
She is elected for a two-year term and will take up the position in July when current leader Larissa Kennedy steps down.
“I am immensely proud and humbled to have been elected NUS National President,” said Dallali.
“Access to Education is a right that should be available to everyone regardless of who they are and where they’re from.
“Fighting to challenge injustices is central to our vision as students and with the support of grassroots organisations, we have the opportunity to challenge institutional frameworks that seek to limit the accessibility and experience of students and staff in education,” she added.
Dallali also thanked her supporters on Twitter with a message.
Thank you so much for electing and trusting me to be your next NUS National President!
I am so excited to start this journey and mobilise with you all for a grassroots movement to fight for a free & liberated education we all deserve.
Time to choose students not profit✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/13Flx2O5hF
— Shaima Dallali (@ShaimaDallali) March 28, 2022
“Fearless and unapologetic fighter for justice”
Supporters on social media were quick to congratulate Dallali on her win.
“Mabrook to the new NUS President-elect Shaima Dallali,” tweeted FOSIS, the umbrella body of Islamic Societies in the UK. “We look forward to working with you during your term to advocate for and improve the experiences of Muslim students across the UK and Ireland.
Mabrook to the new NUS President elect Shaima Dallali. We look forward to working with you during your term to advocate for and improve the experiences of Muslim students across the UK and Ireland https://t.co/WlRHPCjZ99
— FOSIS (@fosischannel) March 28, 2022
“THAT’S MY PRESIDENT,” tweeted British Palestinian and human rights activist Leanne M. “We are so lucky to have such a fearless and unapologetic fighter for justice leading our student movement.”
THAT’S MY PRESIDENT 😍🏆
We are so lucky to have such a fearless and unapologetic fighter for justice leading our student movement ✊
So so proud of you sis @ShaimaDallali and onwards and upwards from here!❤️ https://t.co/GLZ2KpPPxJ
— Leanne M. (@LeanneMohamad) March 28, 2022
André Spicer, a Dean and Professor at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass,) said: “Wonderful to hear that @ShaimaDallali has been elected as the NUS president. She has been such a great part of @CityUniLondon team and has made a big contribution to setting the direction of the institution. Congratulations Shaima.”
Wonderful to hear that @ShaimaDallali has been elected as the NUS president. She has been such a great part of @CityUniLondon team and has made a big contribution to setting the direction of the institution. Congratulations Shaima. https://t.co/n36zFJYcGv
— André Spicer (@andre_spicer) March 28, 2022
“Huge congratulations to @ShaimaDallali elected as next NUS National President! Members at @CityUCU and @CityUnison speak so highly of you Shaima, very excited to work with you!” The president of Leeds University’s trade Union Vicky Blake tweeted.
Huge congratulations to @ShaimaDallali elected as next NUS National President!
Members at @CityUCU and @CityUnison speak so highly of you Shaima, very excited to work with you! @nusuk @ucu https://t.co/G458xljGvH
— Vicky Blake UCU President Join A Union✊🏼✊🏿✊🏽✊🏼 (@zenscara) March 28, 2022
Picture: City Students’ Union