Why did you pick King’s? And how did you know postgraduate study was the right step?
I didn’t know anything about King’s until I went to an open day. But the moment I stepped into the University, I knew that’s where I was going to study. It was pouring down with rain that day. I will never forget – I was wearing wellies, and it was a miserable day, but King’s seemed so bright. I did my undergraduate studies at King’s, so I already knew the University.
I started a tutoring business called Enrich Learning when I was 12 – and I’m still running it now at 22. I wanted to learn about the education system to grow my business, which is why I picked the MA Education, Policy and Society. Not a lot of universities offer this combination of subjects and the flexibility to choose your modules.
Wait, you started a business when you were 12?
I wanted money for the cinema, so I asked my parents if I could work. But I was 12 and I didn’t get any response after handing out my CV. So, I started to help teach my parents’ friends' children, and they’d give me a fiver. And Enrich Learning grew from there. The entrepreneur in me knew I could make more money and I was happy I could help people at the same time.
Were there any modules that stood out to you on your course?
One of the first modules I did was called Education Policy and the City, run by Dr Tania de St Croix (the programme director), Dr Emma Towers (my personal tutor) and Professor Meg Maguire who was my dissertation supervisor. We looked at inner-city schooling, and that really hit home for me. Between the age of one and six, six of us lived in a small flat. When we learnt about inner city schooling it was tough emotionally for me. But it was one of the best modules I’ve studied.
Following on from this, I started to look at the role of parents. My own parents were very proactive – we moved into a lovely house and I went to a private school thanks to a scholarship. I had come home from boarding school for summer and I was talking to my friends in London and realised we were learning completely different things.
What did you focus on for your dissertation?
My dissertation was research based. I explored the urban digital divide and how we can help parents support their children in a time of crisis. I interviewed ten parents living in London about their access they have to WiFi, software, hardware etc during the pandemic. It was difficult to write emotionally – one family with three kids all sharing one smart phone.
I looked at the government’s most recent EdTech policy and critiqued it. I knew someone in government, and he helped me get in touch with the Department of Education. And then I received a message from the Prime Minister’s office!
What support did you get from the teaching team?
The lecturers at King’s have been superb. Because of their brilliant teaching, I’ve had great marks throughout my education at King’s. It wasn’t a case of just giving us the answers, but it was the time they gave up for us. They ran sessions on Saturdays and extra workshops on essay writing. And I’ve ended up finishing my degree with a book deal!
Can you explain a bit more about your book?
My book is about being black and dyslexic in the UK. I found out when I was 11 and I was distraught. At the time, I remember wondering why all the examples teachers gave me of people with dyslexia were old white men. I just couldn’t relate to them.
For the first time ever for the publishing house, there will be a video that goes along with each chapter. Some might be tips on writing, but others will be me talking to my old teachers about what they noticed when I was at school.
What are some of your highlights of studying at King’s?
I was awarded the first ever Student of the Year by the King’s alumni department. This award was based on my performance and my roles within the wider community. I was president of my department’s society and part of the King’s Think Tank.
King’s Think Tank is the largest student-led think tank in Europe. I managed this team alongside the Director of Communications. One of the things I’m really proud of is working alongside one of the sheriffs of the City of London, Tim Hales (also a King’s alumnus). We arranged a trip for students to the Old Bailey. This involved a panel discussion and a drinks reception in the judge’s dining room.
And you’ve won another award since?
I was named one of the UK's Top Ten Black University Students. I never thought anyone would notice me in this way. It’s been a huge privilege, but it also come with a lot of responsibility. Having this award means a lot to me but it’s also been really encouraging for the community around me. I’ve had people from all around the world reach out to me and say how I’ve encouraged them to take the leap to study in the UK.
What are your goals for the future?
One thing I really want to do is shake up the education sector in a way that’s never been done before. It’s not just about making online learning more accessible. It’s about making sure all children and adults are digitally literate. I want to be a thought leader and work with governments – maybe even the UN.
I want to develop Enrich Learning. As well as the online platform, I want a physical school with a boarding facility to support more children and adults. I would love to carry on writing too and use multimedia to share ideas. Ultimately, I want to maintain the relationships with the people I’m helping. They’re the reason I get up every morning and do what I do.
What advice would you give potential students?
There was one girl actually that reached out to me on LinkedIn who is now actually doing the same course … because of me! She was worried about diversity on campus, but I assured her that she would have a great experience and that the teaching is fantastic.
Onyinye’s book will be released in Spring 2022
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.