E³UDRES² Voices

Abodiun Adefusi

July 2025 | #student

Abiodun Adefusi is no stranger to E³UDRES². The Creative Computing student has taken part in various formats of the European University Alliance – from Living Labs and Hackathons to international events across Europe. In this interview from USTP, he shares what inspires his involvement and why student collaboration is essential.

What motivates you to participate in so many different E³UDRES² formats? And what do you take away from these experiences?

Participating in E³UDRES² events has been transformative for me in many ways. Each format is based on real societal challenges – which means I don't just learn about current issues, I also get to actively contribute to finding solutions. What had the biggest impact on me was the hands-on approach through design thinking and the intense teamwork.

What keeps me coming back is the combination of practical learning, international exchange, and creative teamwork. It's incredibly inspiring to collaborate with students from across Europe, share ideas, and learn from each other. And of course, getting to know new cultures and cities is always exciting – it really broadens your personal horizons.

Your team received awards both at the I Living Lab and the Hackathon. What was your recipe for success?

Our success recipe was simple: strong collaboration and a clear process. We worked through the challenge using the five phases of design thinking – Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. It was important to us that all team members were equally involved and that every perspective was heard.

The interdisciplinary makeup of the team was a real asset. Different backgrounds led to diverse ideas and better outcomes. I personally was able to strengthen key skills – especially in communication, time management, and leadership. And I learned: when everyone in the team is motivated and committed, great solutions emerge.

As a member of the Student Board, you represent USTP at the European level. How do you experience this role – and why is it important for students to be actively involved in E³UDRES²?

Being part of the Student Board is a truly exciting role. I've had the chance to participate in various events like​ the Science Festival, the Stakeholders Forum, the General Assembly, and of course our Student Board Meeting. It's given me a comprehensive insight into how the alliance is evolving across all nine partner universities.

What impressed me most: our input as students is genuinely valued. We're not just there symbolically – we actively contribute to working groups and strategic discussions. I believe it's essential for students to co-create E³UDRES² – because we help shape higher education to be inclusive, relevant, and future-oriented. That's exactly what the Student Board stands for.

Interview by USTP

Discover more E³UDRES² Voices here.

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