If there’s one name that everyone at Lancaster University Ghana knows, it’s Somtochukwu Emmanuella Azubuike-Elumelu. Whether you caught her in the middle of organizing an event, running between classes, or sharing a joke with her friends, Somtochukwu’s vibrant energy has been impossible to miss—and now, she’s taking home the prestigious Founder’s Award, much to the excitement (and not-so-secret pride) of her classmates.
The Founder’s Award, created by the Co-Founders of Transnational Academic Group (TAG), isn’t just a fancy title. It’s given to someone who lives and breathes the core values of Loyalty, Integrity, Competence, and Commitment. Somtochukwu’s journey at LUG has been a masterclass in ticking all those boxes—while still making time for her friends, acing her classes, and managing her involvement in a variety of student activities.
When asked how she felt receiving the award, Somtochukwu’s eyes lit up. “I’m still in shock! This is such a big honor, and I’m grateful. It’s not just about me; it’s about all the people I’ve worked with and the amazing community here.”
You might know her as the face behind Roar, the school magazine, where she spent countless hours spotlighting students’ achievements, getting their stories heard, and turning each issue into something we all looked forward to reading. Somtochukwu’s time as editor wasn’t just about putting words on paper—it was about creating a space where everyone’s voice mattered. “Working on the magazine was one of my favorite parts of my time here,” she said. “It was tough juggling deadlines with my studies, but the connections I made with students and staff made it all worth it.”
Somtochukwu’s ability to balance her academics and her many extracurricular projects is one of the reasons she’s so admired. Whether it was showing up to lead a club event right after a demanding exam or staying up late to finalize a feature for the magazine, her dedication was nothing short of inspiring. Her friends often wondered, “Does Somto ever sleep?” (Spoiler: She does—but not without ensuring her work is done!)
Now, as a recipient of the Founder’s Award, Somtochukwu hopes to inspire her peers to dive into all that LUG has to offer, while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. “I want people to see that you can make a difference, even in the little things—like being kind, collaborating on a project, or even just showing up. That’s how you build a strong community,” she explained.
So, while Somtochukwu might be gearing up for her next adventure, she’s leaving behind a legacy of creativity, collaboration, and a whole lot of heart. And knowing her, she’s only just getting started.
