The winners of the Teesside University Students’ Union elections have been announced.
Daniel John Harland Anthony was elected president home for the 2026/27 academic year with 814 votes from a total of 1,546 votes cast in the category. Emmanuel Sunday Uba Ahiabuike secured the role of president international with 802 votes from a total of 3725 votes cast.
Speaking after the result, Harland said he felt relief after the pressure of campaigning and waiting for the outcome.
He added: “You might expect someone who’s just won an election to be overjoyed but to be completely honest I was relieved,” he said. “Standing for office, putting yourself out there and waiting for the cogs to turn is such a stressful business.”
Harland said he was aware there would be limits to what the role can achieve but insisted he would continue to be outspoken on issues affecting students.
“I knew from the get-go that there would be limits to what the president can do. I don’t control the university after all. But I’m not going to let that stop me from being outspoken,” he said.
Harland’s main priorities include addressing the cost-of-living challenges facing students both on and off campus, as well as the impact commuting can have on student participation in
union events.
He also said he wants to push for the return of sports societies to the union and raise awareness about wider issues affecting students across the UK including long healthcare waiting times.
“My campaign is very much centred around breaking the ice, which means to build a bridge between our students and our union,” he added.
Harland said he intends to stay visible and accessible on campus by visiting different buildings and holding regular drop-in sessions, so students have the opportunity to raise concerns directly.
“I’ll be around campus as much as possible, visiting various buildings and simply being present and available to talk to,” he added. “I’ll also be holding regular rotating surgeries to make sure students who can’t attend one session due to class or other commitment can attend another one.”
He said success in the role would mean rebuilding a stronger sense of community among students.
“To me, success would be people back in the Terrace for lunch- where you could randomly walk in and see at least ten people you knew. Students united,” he added.
