Stories of Success - John Ojo (EHU Alumni Spotlight)
Thursday 22-10-2026 - 14:13
In this alumni spotlight, we speak to John Ojo, a family physician, educational mental health practitioner and public health researcher, whose work focuses on improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
Through his professional work and personal experiences, John reflects on the importance of representation, supportive relationships and creating inclusive environments where everyone feels they belong. John’s career brings together healthcare, education and public health, with a shared focus on improving outcomes for children and young people. He currently works as an educational mental health practitioner with Alder Hey and is the founder of Cradle of Wellbeing CIC, where he leads school-linked and community-based initiatives to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing. His work also explores health inequalities and practical ways to improve access to support, particularly for those who may face barriers to receiving the help they need.
For John, his professional journey is driven by a desire to help others and challenge the status quo. Reflecting on the experiences that have motivated him throughout his career, he explained that he wants to “change the world” by making a difference to people’s lives and challenging the way things are done.
Looking back on his university experience, John highlighted the importance of supportive relationships in helping him succeed. Having approachable staff, receiving clear guidance from tutors and lecturers, and building connections with friends all played an important role in his journey. He emphasised that success is not simply about working hard or studying independently, but also about knowing where to find support and feeling encouraged to use it. His reflections offer an important reminder that students should not feel they have to navigate university life alone. Supportive relationships can make a significant difference to confidence, progress and the overall student experience.
John also spoke openly about challenges that students from ethnic minority backgrounds may experience, including isolation, a lack of representation, uncertainty about whether they will be understood, and feeling the need to prove themselves. He reflected on experiencing imposter syndrome and the impact it can have on confidence, highlighting why universities must ensure that support is visible, accessible and available before students reach a crisis point.
Representation was a key theme throughout our conversation, particularly when discussing how universities and workplaces can create more inclusive environments. John explained that representation is about more than simply being present. It is about having your voice heard, having your culture and perspective understood, and knowing that your opinions are respected. Reflecting on his current professional environment, he shared that he is the only Black person in his mental health support team, an experience that can sometimes leave him feeling alone. His perspective highlights why representation and inclusion remain important beyond university; creating environments where people feel seen, heard and valued requires ongoing effort, understanding and meaningful action.
For John, Black History Month is an opportunity to recognise Black contributions to achievement and leadership, but it should also encourage institutions to reflect on whose voices are heard, who feels included and what needs to change. As he explained, recognition matters most when it leads to sustained action. When asked how universities could better support students from ethnic minority backgrounds, John emphasised the importance of making support services more visible and accessible. He suggested that universities could communicate available support more clearly during student inductions and orientation, ensuring that students know where to turn when they need help. He also highlighted the value of having approachable representatives who can share information with Black students and other minority communities.
Alongside formal support services, John believes that creating a sense of community is essential. Students need to know that there is somewhere they can turn to, where they will feel understood, welcomed and supported. His message is clear: inclusion must be reflected in everyday experiences, not just in conversations or campaigns.
For students of colour who may be facing challenges or doubting themselves, John's advice is both practical and encouraging. He encourages students to ask questions early, make use of available support and build relationships with people who encourage them. Rather than viewing asking for help as a weakness, he wants students to recognise it as a strength. One of his most powerful reminders is:
“You deserve to be in the room. You do not need to earn your right to belong.”
It is a message that speaks to the importance of confidence, self-belief and recognising your own worth, even when circumstances make you question it.
Looking towards the next generation of Black university students, John hopes they recognise that their experiences, ambitions and perspectives matter. He believes that success should not depend on having to navigate university alone, but should be supported by strong connections, accessible resources and a genuine sense of belonging. John Ojo’s journey demonstrates the value of combining professional ambition with a commitment to helping others. Through his work in mental health, public health and community wellbeing, he continues to contribute to conversations about health inequalities, inclusion and access to support.
His reflections also offer an important message for universities and institutions: celebrating Black achievement is essential, but so is creating environments where people feel supported, represented and empowered to succeed. This Black History Month, John's story reminds us that progress is not only about recognising how far we have come. It is also about considering what more we can do to ensure that future generations feel they belong, have access to opportunities and can fulfil their potential.
Thank you to John Ojo for sharing his experiences, insights and advice with us.
