‘Love and faith kept us going’ say husband and wife as they graduate together

After meeting in Nigeria whilst studying their first degrees, Olumide Fasanmi graduated with a PhD in Built Environment, whilst his wife, Tolulope, graduated with a master’s degree in Children & Young People Nursing at Salford’s summer graduations at the Lowry Theatre.

Tolulope said: “The love between us was key. As a couple, we wouldn’t be here if we don’t support each other – that’s a huge part of our relationship. 

“We have assessments, placements, deadlines, childcare, presentations: we always look out for each other, and because we’re both students at the same time, we understand the academics’ criteria, and therefore we can help each other out.”

Olumide said: “We are people of Christian faith, and this propels our drive to dream and aspire to great things. Teamwork makes the dream work.

During his time at Salford, Olumide also attended many career fairs with industry, which allowed him to gain free professional memberships with IOSH and ISEP, which shaped his learning at university. Similarly, Tolulope also got the opportunity to attend conferences within her nursing field, where she gained valuable connections for her future career.

After seeing the support from Salford towards her husband, Tolulope Fasanmi also decided to complete another degree at Salford, and began studying MA Children & Young People Nursing in 2024. Prior to starting her degree at Salford, Tolulope was already working within NHS England, and her experience with each patient gave her the privilege to know that she wanted to work in the health sector.

Tolulope said: “I wanted more, but I didn’t know how that was going to work out because Olumide was already studying and I wasn’t sure if we would be able to navigate our family life alongside university, as we have a daughter and we were in a new country.”

With the support of her husband, Tolulope found the transition into studying her degree much easier as their relationship meant that Olumide could assist her in navigating University systems, such as Library Search and Blackboard.

Tolulope said: “I would like to say a big thank you to the school, the faculty, and the systems in place to support students, especially the international students. Leaving home and coming to a new country to pursue your dreams is hard, and so the academics and that support made a lot of difference.”