# Student Lens: Reflections from H.E. Obasanjo at CAS **By Adaolisa Mba** *Harvard College | Psychology, Pre-Med Track* *Moderator and NSA Executive Board Member* October 26, 2026 - [ New Stories ](/news-categories/new-stories) *26 October 2026* ![O](/sites/g/files/omnuum9081/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2026-10/DSC01842-3.jpg?itok=tlAN3vXx) *CAMBRIDGE—On October 20, the Harvard Center for African Studies hosted former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo for a fireside chat coordinated by the Nigerian Students Association (NSA). The former president was at Harvard to discuss peacekeeping and mediation later that evening in the Institute of Politics JFK Jr. Forum. Read below for the Student Lens, a reflection by event moderator and Nigerian Students Association Executive Board Member Adaolisa Mba (‘27), featuring five takeaways from former President Obasanjo’s exclusive conversation with CAS students:* 1\) **Telling our own stories.** This lesson came with two components. First, that the only way we can ensure information is passed from generation to generation is to tell stories. And second, more importantly, the stories should be ours. For too long, people have been writing stories for us, and it’s important now more than ever to take agency over these stories. Through that agency, we gain power to make change for the better. 2\) **Play together.** We’re often so focused on our differences and taking things seriously, that we forget that we need to slow down and connect with one another. This was my reminder to look around and reach out to my fellow Nigerians. There are so many undiscovered and underutilized opportunities for Nigerians to connect based on our passion, joys, and what our people need. These opportunities are what can allow us to connect with our peers in the country, and work together to make powerful, equitable, and longstanding change. 3\) **Unity cannot happen with broad generalizations.** Nigeria is known for its many ethnic groups, which contributes to the beauty of the country. Unfortunately, inter-ethnic conflict has left deep marks on our history, yet it doesn’t mean that we have to maintain the biases that divide us. In striving for unity, we should disempower and abandon the generalizations we’ve been told about our Nigerian brothers and sisters. 4\) **Nigeria’s influence at the international stage**. Although everyone may know Nigeria for having the best jollof, there are bigger things at stake when it comes to where we stand in the world. I was prompted by President Obasanjo to ask myself about where Nigeria is when it comes to the international stage, to the conversations and policymaking, to the big decisions. I hope that as my community, my Harvard peers, personal friends, and I go out into the world, we can do our part to ensure that our voices are heard, needs are met, and that Nigeria has a visible and influential place in the global world. 5\) **H.E. Obasanjo’s familial humor.** I was also pleasantly surprised by President Obasanjo’s sense of humor and warmness. My idea of a diplomat is someone who’s not really enjoyable to talk to, unless you’re trying to network for your next internship or something equally serious. The one-on-one conversation at CAS felt like a conversation of an elder or a close grandfather with his children. I definitely don’t imagine a leader of his caliber as someone who can make me laugh, so imagine my surprise when the former president makes a whole room laugh! It was unreal (in a good way!) to see someone so influential know how to crack a joke and lean into that humor. ![O](/sites/g/files/omnuum9081/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-10/DSC01962.jpg?itok=hhBx1bV2) These five takeaways only scratch the surface of what former President Obasanjo had to offer us on Tuesday. Beyond his wise words, one moment that stood out to me was his recounting of an encounter with a young Nigerian student who asked how students could better connect with their roots. In responding to the question (see takeaways 1 and 2), Obasanjo referenced a well-known photograph of himself with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. I personally had not known of the photograph, but after mentioning it to a friend, I learned that it was so iconic that it is the photo that will be found in a history textbook! That told me everything I needed to know about its significance! This visit is one of those moments that make me so grateful as a Nigerian and as an African, and that makes me think “oh, right, I’m at Harvard.” What made this afternoon even more memorable was being in the presence of so many young and brilliant people, invested in the betterment and true liberation of our continent and beautiful country, Nigeria. Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)