… Signals Stronger Push for Education and Civic Participation

The Stand Up, Speak Out Initiative (SUSO) has announced the appointment of Victoria Chidinma Nwanne as its new Executive Director—an appointment the organisation describes as a major step toward strengthening its work in education, civic engagement, and accountable governance across Nigeria.

Victoria, a nonprofit advocate with over four years of leadership experience, brings a track record of managing youth-focused programmes, mobilising communities, and promoting democratic participation. Her appointment, SUSO said, reflects its renewed commitment to deepening national impact and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in nation-building.

Founded in 2017, SUSO has grown into one of Nigeria’s most prominent youth-led organisations working at the intersection of education, civic responsibility, and governance accountability. The organisation was established to ensure that young Nigerians are not only academically prepared but also socially conscious and empowered to demand integrity from leaders.

Over the years, SUSO has launched several impactful initiatives. The Doyle Edeni Centre of Excellence, established in 2022, continues to serve as a transformative platform for nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and academic excellence among exceptional young writers. Through scholarships, mentorship, and intellectual development programmes, the Centre supports youths with both creative and professional potential.

The organisation also drives the Student Must Vote Campaign, a nationwide effort that promotes civic literacy and democratic participation among tertiary students. The campaign encourages electoral involvement, policy engagement, and governance awareness—advancing key global goals such as SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions).

Beyond civic advocacy, SUSO has invested in strengthening school environments by providing scholarships to indigent students, awarding an annual Prize for Literature, supplying public address systems to enhance teaching quality, and installing solar power systems in university faculties to ensure consistent electricity for learning and research.

Speaking on her new role, Victoria stressed the urgency of citizen involvement in shaping Nigeria’s future.

“If we all want a better Nigeria, then we must be part of that decision-making,” she said.

As Executive Director, she plans to expand SUSO’s programming, deepen collaborations with schools and civil society organisations, and build platforms that equip young Nigerians with the skills, voice, and agency to influence governance outcomes. Her leadership vision positions SUSO as a national model for citizen-led development and youth-driven policy engagement.

With this appointment, the Stand Up, Speak Out Initiative reaffirmed its mission to build a Nigeria where education empowers, governance upholds integrity, and young people play a defining role in shaping the country’s trajectory.