“When I came here as a permanent resident with my wife and children, I was looking for a new challenge and opportunity,” he says.

A new academic challenge

He had started working towards achieving his practicing license with the National Committee on Accreditation and had written one exam for administrative law and was looking for a new academic challenge, and was considering the future possibility of becoming a professor of law at a Canadian University. An LLM would be a starting point, he thought.

His thesis title was “Mediation practice in Nigeria: experiences from Abuja and Ondo with lessons from Ontario, Canada”, completed with Professor Darcy MacPherson of the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law as his advisor.

Ayita completed his LLB in 2015 at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. While there, he received the Presidential Award as the best graduating student in Commercial Law, as well as the Attorney General of the Federation Award in the same subject during the 2015 convocation. He also won the National Essay Competition on the topic “Nigeria at 50, the past, the present and the future,” funded by Intercontinental Bank (now Access Bank), which was – significantly, how he obtained his first laptop. Additionally, he was the first runner-up in the continental essay competition titled “The Immorality of Self-Interest [The Morality or otherwise of Capitalism],” organized by African Liberty and IMANI in 2011.

He concluded his legal practice training at The Nigerian Law School in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria in 2016. As a next step, he obtained a certificate in Arbitration at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London, UK in 2017 and then received certification in conflict and dispute resolution at the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolutions in 2021. He further earned a certificate in Conflict Management Skills at the University of Toronto (2022) followed by certification in Reconciliation and Restoration at Forgiving For Restoring Canada. At this time in 2023, he completed some of the requirements of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada to pass his Bachelor of Laws Equivalency Examination and then commenced the Master of Laws program at the University of Manitoba in 2023.

Having practiced law in Nigeria and studied mediation and alternative dispute resolution both there and in Canada, Ayita found it impossible to ignore his calling to further his education and deepen his studies in law.

UM’s policies of accommodation and inclusion attractive

He was drawn to the University of Manitoba for his LLM having researched Canadian universities and learned that UM “has been established for more than a century and has produced a lot of policymakers,” as well as “those who are also at the forefront of access to justice in Canada as well as in the global community.” Additionally, he notes that UM’s policies of accommodation and inclusion were another thing that attracted him.

“I landed in Canada October 26, 2022,” he says, “so it’s like less than a month that I came in and about approximately a month that I applied to the school, so I was just trying to settle down.”

Teaching law someday was on his mind when he made the decision to apply for the LLM program. “Most of what I’ve been doing – about 80% of what I’ve done all my life has been the issue of building capacity teaching and imparting knowledge. And now I really want to do that. One of the motivations [to do the LLM] is to become a professor and to also influence policies in the area of access to justice, because access to justice is an ongoing crusade.”

Engaging in community

Beyond legal studies, volunteering in community is important to Ayita. During his time as a Master of Laws student, he served as a volunteer facilitator with the Speaker Bureau for the Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba for a year. He also served as class president for the LLM program from September 2023 to May 2025. He participated in the Community Venture/Salvation Army fundraising event in December of 2024 and took part in the university’s community seed planting initiative. Even before arriving in Canada, he volunteered as national coordinator for AFSEN (Alliance for Sustainable Environment Nigeria), focusing on environmental protection and sanitation. There, he led a team in sanitation activities, planted new trees, and educated teenagers on water use and waste disposal.

Speaking from his experience working as Director of Training and Development at the Mediation Training Institute in Nigeria and as a lawyer and conflict coach, he says, “Everybody wants to access justice in all facets of humanity such as divorce and in all your legal needs. You want justice to be served, and I believe going into this program will assist me to be able to have that proper foundation through research and development.”

Having knowledge and research skills to influence government policy is also in his sights. “I look forward to one day becoming a professor in any of the universities in Canada,” he says, “and also be able to influence policy in the decision-making in government.”

Focus on what matters

Ayita has observed, that policy and decision-makers tend to focus on exciting topics such as crime, which tend to get the most media hits. He speaks passionately about what is not getting enough attention when it comes to access to justice: “You don’t want to focus on housing, on the issue of environment, on things that are dear to people like family, but these are the areas that are most needed and people are yearning for access to justice.”

His thesis delves into how the tools of mediation may be used to achieve access to justice. Most of the challenges to access to justice when pursuing a path of litigation, he notes, include delay in proceedings, costs and the complexities of court procedures. Costs are both implicit and explicit, not to mention the psychological cost of litigation. “You realize that all these are not the same when parties have to go through the route of mediation,” he observes.

[G]oing through mediation, they realize that there are no more enemies but they want to work together to see how the parties involved can reach a truce that will most accommodate their differences that also align their interests.
– Oluwafisayo Stephen Ayita [LLM/25]

Mediation, he says, enables parties to overcome the many challenges that form barriers to access to justice including delay and procedural complexity. “It also helps the party to retain what is most important to them. We have realized because the process has been regarded as a kind of legal combat, where parties duel to death, that going through mediation, they realize that there are no more enemies but they want to work together to see how the parties involved can reach a truce that will most accommodate their differences that also align their interests.”

A highly recommended course of study

During his time at Robson Hall, Ayita has worked with instructors, faculty and staff including Natasha Brown [BEd/01; LLB/05], Director of Access to Justice and Community Engagement, and Dr. Michelle Gallant, who also works in conflict resolution. Dr. Donn Short, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at the Faculty of Law, taught the mandatory graduate seminar for the LLM program, which teaches how to write a thesis and fundamental research skills. “The graduate seminar has been quite helpful,” said Ayita, who took it in his first term of the program. At the time, he explained, each student undertook four assignments related to their thesis including an annotated bibliography to teach them how to identify the sources they would be using for their main thesis. “The research seminar has helped me in particular and I believe it also has helped my colleagues to be able to bring together our aspirations.”

“All these have enabled me to be able to now understand how to carry out research as well as how I can use that to improve on my main thesis, such as this search format, the McGill Research format, the sources, how to write, and notes to include when you are paraphrasing, restate, quote, you know, then when you’re also making your own statement.

So the research seminar has helped me to be able to understand how to be able to go through the authorized format and avoid academic misconduct and fraud. It also has been able to [ensure] that all my work will be genuine. That’s very, very useful.”

Ayita recommends taking an LLM to anyone wanting an academic challenge and looking to deepen their knowledge of the law, “I have been encouraging people,” he said, calling Robson Hall one of the best law faculties in Canada whenever he mentions to people that he is studying here. “I’m proud to be here,” he said.

Ayita’s pursuit of academic challenges is not over yet. In September, he will be a member of UM’s first cohort of Internationally Trained Lawyers and will be taking one of the two Micro-Diplomas now offered in Canadian Private or Canadian Public Law, designed to help such lawyers qualify to practice law in Canada. Then, he will be fully able to practice law in Canada.

Learn more about UM’s LLM program.

Learn more about UM’s Internationally Trained Lawyer program.

Similarly to the Fort Garry Campus, international students can seek general support as well as immigration support from advisors at the Bannatyne Campus through Student Services. International Student Advisors (ISAs) provide support and guidance on the status of international students and help students navigate the legal and intercultural barriers that students may face during their transition at UM.

ISAs can meet with students to discuss study permits, post-graduation work permits, and answer questions regarding immigration. Recently, ISAs have received the Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor designation. Speaking to ISA Rebecca Irvingshe explained that this designation “has allowed us to legally give students immigration advice and guidance (within the scope of our designation) on their individual situations and provide more clear and direct information during our Advising meetings.”

Through the International Centre, ISAs also offer immigration information sessions and provide resources for students online and in-person. By meeting with an ISA, students can get assistance navigating both UM and government services and understanding their status as international students.

In 2024, international students accounted for roughly 21% of the student population and roughly 20% of first-time admissions, according to an institutional analysis by UM. These trends are increasing, and the IC and the ISAs play an important role in supporting this population. Referring to the expansion of advising to the Bannatyne campus, Irving states that “these enhanced services from our ISA team have been important to better help our growing international student population, especially in light of the numerous changes that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have recently made that impacts study permit holders in Canada.”

The ISA service at the Bannatyne Campus also helps mitigate one of the barriers that some international students may face, which is simply knowing that these resources exist and being able to find them. Through social media and referrals by other supports, such as the Student Affairs Connect Desk on the 1st floor of UMSU University Centre, international students are referred to the IC and ISAs. By adding International Student Advising to the Student Services at Bannatyne offices, the in-person presence ensures an equitable level of support.

For international students who may not have seen an advisor recently, Irving stresses that students should seek out an advisor as early as possible: “even if a student isn’t sure if they’re coming to us at the right time, or if we can answer their entire question, we encourage students to reach out as soon as they have a question so that they can plan ahead and we can make a referral to another UM office, if needed.”

Students at either campus wanting to make an appointment with an International Student Advisor can do so through the International Centre. Students at the Bannatyne Campus can also reach out to Student Services at Bannatyne via e-mail at bcstudentservices[at]umanitoba[dot]ca or by phone at 204-272-3190.

The International Centre is located in Room 541 UMSU University Centre and is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and can be reached via e-mail for inquiries at international[at]umanitoba[dot]ca.

Join us Thursday, March 6, 2025, for the third session of the Teaching and Learning Research Colloquium Series. Dr. Matthew Quesnel [B.A./13, M.A./15, Ph.D./20] (The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning) will share his research examining the connection between international students’ metastereotypes and seeking out peer support and support services offered by their postsecondary institutions. Quesnel will share his research findings and explore how they can inform strategies for fostering a more inclusive campus environment, promoting accessing UM support resources, and improve academic success and well-being for international students.

The Teaching and Learning Colloquium Series, hosted by The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, supports educators in creating a learning environment that responds to the changing needs of learners and strengthens student supports. It provides a platform for UM scholars and educators to share knowledge, research, and success stories to empower learners.

The series was designed “to provide an opportunity for faculty and higher education professionals to gather and talk about students’ support needs, barriers students may face in seeking help, and effective strategies for supporting and enhancing student learning,” says Quesnel, Teaching and Learning Colloquium Series chair.

Register for Barriers to Support: Metastereotypes and Help-seeking Among International Students. 

Location: Room 325, Education Building 

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025 

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Session details: 25-minute presentation, followed by discussion and refreshments. 

The IAEP has 6 levels: the Foundations level emphasizes English for daily life, levels 1–4 focus on academic preparation for intermediate, and advanced level students and the 5^th level prepares students for admission to the UM. Direct admission into level 5 requires minimum test scores on one or several eligible tests, while levels 1–4 have a placement test to place students in the level best suited for their learning. More information about this process can be found on the ELC’s website. AL-Zuhairi was placed in level 5 and completed her program in December 2023, allowing her to begin her program in U1.

AL-Zuhairi shared how valuable and positive the experience was from a variety of angles. From the academic side, she noted: “There were many things which I learned. Reading classes we analyzed texts. Speaking classes, we practiced presentations and speeches. Listening classes, we learned how to effectively take notes and follow up with the main idea. In writing classes, we learned how to write about anything in every style whether it was a small paragraph or a research paper.” She also explained that “the ELC emphasizes not only academic language skills but also personal growth, creating a holistic learning journey. The sense of community at the ELC coupled with connections formed, contributes to a supportive and enriching second home for students. Overall, the English Language Centre stands out for its comprehensive approach, ensuring both linguistic mastery and a transformative educational experience.”

AL-Zuhairi found new friendships, a sense of community, and new experiences through the program. She explained that her favourite part of the program was “the fact that there were many people from all over the world to learn with and from.” She added that “Our shared friendships fostered a thriving classroom that improved our learning environment. I was able to learn from others about their culture and try some of their very good food with the happy environment we were in, we felt like a family.”

For students who are unsure if the program is right for them, AL-Zuhairi’s words of encouragement may shine some light on the benefits of the program: “The ELC went beyond language acquisition; it encouraged personal development, forging connections, and establishing a second home establishing a second home. Choosing the ELC program promises not only enhanced academic language proficiency but also a heightened sense of confidence in using the language. Experiencing a gradual improvement in your language skills can be described as an unparalleled joy.”

If AL-Zuhairi’s resounding praise is not persuasive enough, the IAEP’s benefits are also visible in student achievement statistics. More than 80% of students who begin the IAEP go on to pursue a degree at UM. These students achieve higher marks than international students who did not complete the program and higher first year GPAs than Canadian students. They also have higher degree completion rates than other international or Canadian students. These statistics come as little surprise when hearing how Riyam summed up her experience: “I would like to say that joining the ELC is such a blessing that not a lot of people are aware of it until they try it. It is fun to sit in a small classroom where you can get to know your teachers, peers and staff. You get a lot of attention that you will not get in a larger classroom. The staff put in so much effort to make fun activates and make the time much easier. I said it once and I will say it again, I am grateful for the ELC program.” 

If you are interested in learning more, you can visit the ELC’s website and/or contact the ELC directly at elc@umanitoba.ca.

For the 2024 convocation on November 3, SJC is proud to recognize Rt Rev. Helen Kennedy, Dr. Evelyn Forget, and Mr. Jim Ripley. Each of these individuals has had a significant impact on our community, whether as students, on the Council, or in our chapel.

Dr. Evelyn Forget – Honorary Doctor of Canon Law (honoris causa) 

The Professor of Economics and Community Health Sciences is grateful for the recognition of the research she has conducted throughout her UM career. As a researcher examining the health and social implications of poverty and inequality, and as a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and an Officer of the Order of Canada, Dr. Forget is being recognized for her efforts and petitions to the Federal Government in favor of Guaranteed Basic Income for all Canadians.

In talking with her about what this recognition means, she notes how significant SJC has been in her career. 

“It’s always nice for people to recognize the work that you are doing. I’m also very conscious that the work we do as researchers is very collaborative and being recognized for my work and for having worked with many St John’s fellows is special.”

Evelyn would like to thank SJC Chancellor, Bishop Geoffrey Woodcroft for his support throughout the years on many projects. More generally, she is grateful for the colleagues and students she’s had the pleasure of working with.

Rt. Rev. Helen Kennedy – Honorary Doctor of Divinity (jure Dignitatis)

From UM student to former Council member, Helen Kennedy, Bishop of Qu’Appelle, has made her impact on the College in many ways.

As a Council member who participated in St John’s residence renewal and is committed to the well-being, support, and theological education of young people in managing ministries at the diocesan level, Helen is honoured to receive this recognition. 

“I’m very flattered and grateful for the College. This honour is more than just an award to me; a College is a place of learning, and it’s helped me become the Bishop I am today.”

In her work to become a Bishop, Helen expresses her thanks to former Bishop of Rupert’s Land Don Phillips, former SJC Warden Chris Trott, and her husband for their constant support throughout the years, which helped get her where she is today. 

Mr. Jim Ripley – Honorary Fellowship 

The highly respected lawyer with TDS is being honoured for his more than 25 years of service to the College on Council, and his many contributions to the College.

The College graduate from 1976 was an exceptional Council member, offering critical guidance on many issues. His contributions allowed Mr. Ripley to make a difference in the College community to what it is today.

In catching up with Jim to hear his excitement for November 3, he thanks a few people for helping him get involved.

“I want to thank Bernie Beare for asking me to be involved. He’s a wonderful person.“

“Thank you to St John’s for this award and recognition, and the people currently involved in the College for designating me as an honorary fellow.”

 

In addition to these honorary guests who will be recognized on Sunday, November 3, we also recognize St John’s College student members who will receive various scholarships and bursaries supported by our SJC alumni and community.

These scholarships and bursary recipients include UM students from faculties across campus, including science, art, and engineering. As part of the College membership, these scholarships are one of many opportunities available to students on campus.

On behalf of St John’s College, congratulations to all the 2024 recipients!

The Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources student studying for his master’s in microbiology felt isolated when he arrived in Canada. He did not know what to expect but was excited to get started. 

“When I first arrived in Canada, I felt alone. I didn’t have any friends or know where to go on campus; I was just trying to figure out my way.” 

Since arriving in Canada in September 2023, Rei Shibue has stayed in St John’s residence, where he’s been able to be close to his classes and build friendships that have helped him find his home away from home.

“For the first while in the residence, I kept to myself. I didn’t talk much, ate alone in the dining room, and attended classes. Over the last year, though, that’s changed significantly.”

As Rei continues his studies in microbiology, where he is investigating microbes in the Arctic Ocean, he also finds his community in St John’s residence at monthly events and has become a residence don on the student support team.

“Attending events and getting involved in the residence has helped me meet some of my closest friends.”

“It’s the community I needed outside of class to feel like I’m home.” 

Looking to make a difference in the residence, Rei knew he wanted to get involved on the dons team to help students navigate the problems he once faced when coming to Canada.

“Being a don allows me to continue building relationships in the residence while giving back to the community and the students here.” 

As the dons prepare to welcome more new students into the residence in Winter 2025, Rei has found being a resident to be rewarding and fulfilling in more ways than he could imagine.

“I’m grateful to be a part of this team and community, which has given me so much.”

To learn more about St John’s residence, visit our website. 

To submit your application for Winter 2025 accommodations, contact our Dean of Residence.

“My time at UM was exceptional. It took a lot of courage to leave my comfort zone, as I had never been anywhere outside of Hong Kong,” said Lau. “But right from when I landed here in Winnipeg, UM was there to welcome the international students and help us find accommodation. UM’s promotion of being hospitable to new students made it stand out from the other schools I looked at applying to.” 

After completing his Bachelor of Arts at UM, he went to the University of Toronto to complete his master’s degree. Initially he wanted to become a professor but during the time he was completing his master’s there was a recession in Canada and he noticed that many people with PhDs could not find jobs on campus. 

“Many PhDs were doing research work, which had very low wages,” he said. “Then my father decided to retire, and I had to step up and support the family and help my six siblings. Through my sponsorship, four of my siblings came to Canada as immigrants.”  

In 1981, Lau founded Tony Lau Insurance Agencies Ltd. in British Columbia where he continues today as President and CEO, overseeing four branches in Greater Vancouver. He is also one of the founding members of the University of Manitoba Chinese Alumni Association of Canada (UMCAA) and is serving as the current President. His activism has continued throughout his career in both business and charitable organizations. 

Over the past 25 years, Lau has generously donated over $300,000 to the University of Manitoba. His philanthropic endeavours have enriched the university experience for countless students and have contributed significantly to the advancement of international education and understanding on campus.   

“I was on a very limited budget as an international student. After paying for the flights and the tuition fee, and for the things I needed to live in Canada like winter clothing and boots, I only had about $700 left for room and board and other basic expenses to last for the eight months I was in school. I was on a student visa and wasn’t allowed to work during the school year, so that was a very scary eight months,” he said. “I tend to think of my venture into the business world as fate or destiny because I was able to make some money, which I’m now able to donate back to the university.” 

In recognition of the support he received as an international student and his desire to give back, Lau established an endowment called the Tony T.K. Lau Prize, which is awarded to the top student of a Chinese History course. In addition, the Tony T.K. Lau Awards for Volunteer Service to International Students fund aims to support student volunteers who have made a meaningful impact in the lives of international students, thus perpetuating a cycle of support and goodwill within the university community.  

Lau understands firsthand that feeling a sense of connection and belonging is critical to the successful transition of international students at UM. In recognition of his most recent gift of $100,000, the newly constructed Global Lounge in the International Centre was named in his honour – the Tony T.K. Lau Global Lounge. Envisioned as a space that embraces diversity, global citizenship and cross-cultural exchange, the Tony T.K. Lau Global Lounge will serve as an invaluable resource that supports students’ academic and personal growth, while also promoting intercultural competency and an inclusive and welcoming campus community. 

“I wanted to help make the space more inviting to people,” he said. “This lounge can serve as a platform for cultural exchange, where students from different backgrounds can share their cultures, traditions, and experiences. This will help build bridges between different communities and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity.” 

In 2019, Lau also established an endowment named the Tony T.K. Lau Lectureship on Contemporary China at the University of Manitoba to bring distinguished individuals to UM to speak about contemporary issues related to China – ranging from trade wars and a slowing economy to human rights crises, social problems, environmental pollution and other timely topics. The lecture occurs once per year in September during Homecoming week with the goal of fostering cultural understanding and enhancing the university’s multicultural landscape. 

“In my time, I was lucky that people could come forward to support international students. Now I’m in a place where I can give back and hopefully that will inspire others to continue to support international students as well.” 

He spoke with Sarah Galashan about the federally imposed international student cap and it’s impact on the University of Manitoba.

To watch the full interview, please visit the link here: Canada Tonight.

Here is a story written by CBC Manitoba about the financial impacts of the international student cap.

Earlier in the summer of 2024, the Faculty of Law announced the development of a the program which would to enable Internationally Trained Lawyers to complete two micro-diplomas that would allow them to meet Law Society of Manitoba requirements to become licensed to practice law here. All the program needed was a Director. Harris will fill that role by administering and leading the beginning phases of this initiative for the next two years.

“Laurelle will also retain the equity and transformation portfolio that has been ably stewarded by our other Directors, notably Trina McFadyen and Dr. Laura Reimer,” said Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law. “This will be a seamless portfolio because the Internationally Trained Lawyer Program (ITLP) will attract a diverse array of students with multifaceted life experiences. In getting to this point in the ITLP’s development we should acknowledge the development work of Tamra Alexander, Dr. Reimer and Jenna Chemerika.”

“The ITL Program has the potential to make a significant impact on the careers of internationally-trained lawyers, the clients they will serve, and our ability to impact access to justice in Manitoba,” said Harris.

Harris (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Women’s Studies, History) and has undertaken graduate studies in Women’s Studies and Black Studies at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She earned her law degree in 2001 from Robson Hall and is an experienced litigator with formal training in mediation, arbitration and conflict resolution undertaken locally and at York University in Toronto, Ontario. 

For most of her career, Harris practiced law with a mid-sized firm in Winnipeg. From 2018 to 2024, she continued to practice law through Harris Law Solutions, practicing primarily in the area of family law. In 2020 she founded Equitable Solutions Consulting to pursue her passion for helping organizations develop the skills and capacity to function equitably.

“Equity and transformation, to paraphrase Lily Zheng, are commitments to the practice of ensuring wellbeing, success, and the absence of mistreatment and discrimination for all,” said Harris. “It is my intention to lead the work in equity and transformation at Robson Hall with these commitments in mind.”

In 2023, she was appointed King’s Counsel by the Lieutenant Governor in Council of Manitoba for demonstrating outstanding practice, integrity, leadership, and excellence in the legal profession.

Harris has been a frequent guest lecturer in anti-racism and equity in various classes at the Faculty of Law, including advanced family law, negotiation, and access to justice courses. She had taught in the capacity of Practicing Professional Instructor, and previously co-taught Family, and taught Gender in the Law. In appreciation and recognition of her contributions to legal education, the Faculty of Law made Harris a “Jurist of Robson Hall” in 2023.

“I am thrilled to return to the Robson Hall community and am looking forward to connecting with students and collaborating with colleagues to bring our vision of a more equitable and accessible law school to life,” said Harris.

The 2024 St John’s College art competition winner uses art to showcase the natural beauty he sees around him while producing it in the way he visualizes it.

“It’s the fulfillment and satisfaction derived from expressing my thoughts and views.” 

Since moving to Canada and finding his new home at St John’s residence, the School of Art student has loved bringing his imagination to life. As an artist who has published his work around campus, Valentine looks to not only showcase his work but also working towards his goal of building his own arts academy.

“This local exhibition is a chance for me to get my work out there and see other artists. My goal is to set up my arts academy here in Canada and back home in Nigeria where I can showcase my work, teach younger generations, and add value to my community.”

Upon arriving in Canada and settling into his art studies, Valentine has found his home away from home at St John’s residence, a small community on campus.

In a quiet place for studying and relaxing yet welcoming to students from across the world, the residence has become a place where Valentine has been able to grow into his own.

“It’s a friendly place for everyone where I’ve enjoyed meeting people on paint nights, excursions, and events around the city. What I love most is the clean and peaceful atmosphere.”

As Valentine prepares for his exhibition in October at cre8ery gallery and studio from October 1st through 26th, he is grateful for the opportunities ahead for his artwork.