Universities Should Be Hubs Of Critical Thought And Activism – Tr Michael Ombasa Nicodemus

 

UNIVERSITIES SHOULD BE HUBS OF CRITICAL THOUGHT AND ACTIVISM – TR MICHAEL OMBASA NICODEMUS

 

Tr Michael Ombasa Nicodemus, the third prize winner of the recently concluded African Human Rights Inter-University Essay Competition, is a dynamic Kenyan educator, student leader, motivational speaker, actor, and digital content creator. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Arts) in English and Literature at Machakos University, he is deeply passionate about youth empowerment, social justice, and transformative leadership across Africa. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shares insights into his award-winning work and his dedication to the human rights cause.

WA: CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR ACADEMIC BACKGROUND?
OMBASA: My name is Tr Michael Ombasa Nicodemus. I’m a passionate educator, student leader, and human rights advocate pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Arts), majoring in English and Literature, at Machakos University in Kenya. I am currently in my second year and have consistently balanced academic excellence with active engagement in youth empowerment, digital advocacy, and leadership initiatives.

WA: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS INTER-UNIVERSITY ESSAY COMPETITION?
OMBASA: I learned about the competition through my university’s student leadership network and academic forums that share opportunities for young African thinkers. It was also promoted on several human rights platforms I follow, which actively encourage youth participation in advocacy.

WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS COMPETITION?
OMBASA: As a young African committed to social transformation, I saw this as a platform to use my voice in addressing issues affecting my generation. It was an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the human rights discourse while advocating for change.

WA: WHAT SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE DID YOU ADDRESS IN YOUR ESSAY?
OMBASA: I focused on youth empowerment in Africa, examining the systemic barriers that prevent young people from accessing opportunities, engaging in governance, and fulfilling their potential as agents of change.

WA: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PARTICULAR TOPIC?
OMBASA: I live this reality every day. Youth empowerment is not just a development priority — it is essential to Africa’s progress. Our voices matter, and framing these challenges through a human rights lens can influence inclusive policies and meaningful reform.

WA: CAN YOU SUMMARIZE THE KEY ARGUMENT OR MESSAGE OF YOUR ESSAY?
OMBASA: My central argument is that youth empowerment should be recognized as a fundamental human right. I call for governments, institutions, and civil society to break down the political, social, and economic barriers that hinder young people from leading, innovating, and contributing to nation-building.

WA: HOW DID YOUR ACADEMIC STUDIES INFLUENCE YOUR APPROACH TO WRITING THE ESSAY?
OMBASA: My training in English and Literature honed my skills in critical analysis, persuasive writing, and structured argumentation. It also enabled me to integrate historical, cultural, and political perspectives into a compelling and evidence-based narrative.

WA: WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU ENCOUNTER WHILE RESEARCHING OR WRITING YOUR ESSAY?
OMBASA: Accessing up-to-date, region-specific data on youth challenges across Africa was difficult. Also, translating complex human rights frameworks into a simple, relatable argument that could resonate widely required patience and thoughtful revision.

WA: HOW HAS PARTICIPATING IN THIS COMPETITION SHAPED YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES IN AFRICA?
OMBASA: It deepened my understanding of how policy, law, and lived experiences intersect. Human rights are not abstract principles — they are part of people’s daily struggles and dreams, especially for young Africans.

WA: IN YOUR OPINION, HOW IMPORTANT ARE ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS LIKE THIS FOR RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS?
OMBASA: They are essential. Competitions like this stimulate intellectual engagement, foster awareness, and empower students to think critically and act boldly. They also create a continental network of passionate young advocates.

WA: DID THE COMPETITION CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE ROLE OF STUDENTS IN HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY?
OMBASA: Absolutely. It reinforced the truth that students are not merely future leaders — we are leaders now, with the power to shape discourse and influence change.

WA: WERE THERE OTHER ENTRIES THAT RESONATED WITH YOU?
OMBASA: Yes. I was deeply moved by essays on access to education for marginalized groups and those tackling gender-based violence. These issues are closely tied to youth empowerment and equality.

WA: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO APPLY THE KNOWLEDGE YOU GAINED FROM THIS COMPETITION?
OMBASA: I intend to expand my work in community outreach, digital advocacy, and youth mentorship. I will also use my social media platforms to inspire dialogue, action, and policy engagement.

WA: WHAT ROLE SHOULD UNIVERSITIES PLAY IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION IN AFRICA?
OMBASA: Universities should be hubs of critical thought and activism. They should integrate human rights into curricula, support student-led research, and create safe spaces for debate, advocacy, and solution-building.

WA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE COMPETING WITH STUDENTS FROM OTHER AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES?
OMBASA: It was intellectually enriching and deeply inspiring. The diversity of perspectives and the shared passion for justice reaffirmed that Africa’s greatest asset is its young, vibrant minds.

WA: WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR ESSAY WILL HAVE ON READERS AND POLICYMAKERS?
OMBASA: I hope it sparks urgency and commitment to institutionalizing youth empowerment. I want it to give voice to the silent struggles of young Africans who face barriers every day.

WA: HOW CAN YOUNG AFRICAN SCHOLARS CONTRIBUTE MORE EFFECTIVELY TO HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTION?
OMBASA: By using their knowledge, creativity, and platforms to educate, challenge injustice, and build inclusive spaces. Whether through writing, research, art, or activism, we must each take bold and consistent action.

WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FUTURE ENTRANTS OF THIS COMPETITION?
OMBASA: Speak from your heart and ground your argument in solid research. Choose a topic you care about deeply, and let your writing combine intellect with authenticity — that is how your voice will stand out.

WA: BEYOND WRITING, HOW ELSE DO YOU ADVOCATE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
OMBASA: I lead motivational campaigns, host digital discussions, and create educational content on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to inspire young people to claim their rights and act responsibly.

WA: WHAT ARE YOUR ACADEMIC OR CAREER ASPIRATIONS AFTER THIS COMPETITION, ESPECIALLY IN RELATION TO HUMAN RIGHTS?
OMBASA: I aspire to earn a Doctorate in Literature and become a transformative educator who uses language and storytelling to champion justice, critical thinking, and social progress. I also plan to work with organizations dedicated to youth development and human rights education across Africa.