Wittenborg Graduate Contributes to Sports Development in Nigeria

Onaopepo Adu is Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor

After completing a Master of Business Management (MBM) in Sports Business at Wittenborg, Onaopepo Adu embraced the opportunity to make a difference in his home country of Nigeria. Since May 2024, Onaopepo has been working as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Sports Marketing to the Lagos State Governor.  

In this role, his responsibilities include promoting youth and grassroots development through organising sports competitions and supporting the Governor in implementing policies that drive sports participation and foster economic growth through the sports sector. Additionally, he facilitates partnerships between the Lagos State Sports Commission and private organisations to drive sports development and strengthen the marketing and promotion of Team Lagos and the Commission through content and campaigns. 

According to Onaopepo, one of his major challenges is convincing corporate bodies to form long-term partnerships with the government, given that Nigeria’s sports sector is not yet fully developed. “On the positive side, this role gives you the opportunity to impact the youth of Lagos through the power of sports. We organise competitions that help us discover hidden talents, which in turn change the lives of these individuals. It’s truly fulfilling to see a young athlete grow into a celebrated and recognised sports star. I will stop at nothing to keep giving the youth a chance to grow through sports,” he says.  

Upping his game 

Before embarking on his journey at Wittenborg, Onaopepo earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ghana and later worked as a sports marketing executive at a talent management company. Aiming to expand his qualifications, he moved to the Netherlands to pursue a master’s degree.  “My uncle, who lives in the Netherlands, was the one who recommended Wittenborg to me. Outside of the UK, the Netherlands has the highest English proficiency in Europe, which is why I chose it,” he underlines. 

Onaopepo comments that the biggest challenge he faced when starting this new experience was learning how to navigate a new country. “To handle that, I made sure to connect with locals and join various groups where important information was shared. In these environments, experienced people could offer tips and answer my questions.” 

The graduate highlights that Wittenborg’s international atmosphere makes the school really special. “I met people from different countries and that made me appreciate the various cultures we have globally. During my programme, I learned a lot from my peers and also my lecturers, especially from associate professor Mats Carlbäck, who taught us several sports courses.” 

One of Onaopepo’s most memorable moments at Wittenborg was volunteering at the 2021 F1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix, which gave him the chance to watch the races firsthand and experience what it’s like to stage a world-class sporting event. “Being at Wittenborg, and by extension in the Netherlands, gave me the belief that a lot is possible, you just need to have conviction and the right attitude,” he remarks. 

In addition to his studies, Onaopepo had the opportunity to complete an Inside Sales internship at Gracenote, a sister company of Nielsen. This experience helped him develop important professional skills such as conducting research and using marketing software.  

He advises current students to take advantage of resources like networking events and LinkedIn to stay up to date. “It was through LinkedIn that I got my internship. Reach out to hiring managers at companies you'd love to work for; you never know unless you try. Attend more seminars, whether online or in person. That’s where you get to connect with people from all walks of life. Just keep pushing and never give up until you achieve your goals.” 

Regarding his future plans, Onaopepo says they are focused on elevating Nigeria, and by extension, the African continent, to the highest level of sports excellence. “We can already see that momentum building, and I’d love to be a key player in making it a reality.”

WUP 04/06/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Open-air Events, Music and Sports: Discover Apeldoorn’s Best Attractions in June

Activities Include Various Fairs and Popular Dragon Boat Festival

As the days grow longer, sunnier and warmer, Apeldoorn offers plenty of open-air activities for those looking to enjoy the beautiful weather and have some fun. Check out some of the top events happening in the city this June: 

Longest Record Fair

On 9 June (Pentecost Monday), Apeldoorn’s city centre will be transformed into a paradise for music lovers during the fourth edition of the Longest Record Fair. Stretching from Hoofdstraat to the historic Raadhuisplein and Marktstraat, the event will feature around 80 to 100 stalls offering rare records, singles and turntables. Visitors can also enjoy plenty of live music and performances by local acts. Entry is free.

Packed Pentecost

People of all ages can enjoy the Pentecost Funfair (Pinksterkermis) in Oosterhuizen, a small village in the municipality of Apeldoorn. From 6 to 9 June, the event will offer plenty of fun and games, including a flea market, bumper cars, a merry-go-round, DJ music and much more. For information and tickets, visit the funfair’s website. 

Another great option for the Pentecost weekend is the ‘Hop to the City’ (‘Hop Naar De Stad’) fair, taking place under the Markthal on Marktplein square. On 8 June, from 13:00 to 20:00, visitors can sample 50 different beers during the Beer Festival, along with a selection of drinks, snacks and live music. Then, from 20:00 to 00:00, the 90’s NOW Outdoor Party, organised in collaboration with GIGANT, will get everyone dancing. Entry to this event is €15, and tickets can be ordered via this link. 

On 9 June, the Markthal will host the Italian Afternoon. From 13:00 to 20:00, attendees can enjoy authentic pizzas, delicious Italian wines and laid-back music – with free entry.

Additionally, antique lovers can hunt for treasures at the Flea Market & Car Boot Sale, taking place on 8 June from 09:00 to 16:00 at the Ice Skating and Roller-Skating Rink DNIJ (De Voorwaarts 440). It’s a great opportunity to treat yourself to second-hand finds or pick up unique gifts for friends and family.

Dragon Boat Festival

One of Apeldoorn’s largest and most popular events, the Dragon Boat Festival will take place from 20 to 22 June at the Zwitsalterrein (Vlijtseweg 120). Drawing thousands of visitors, the festival combines thrilling boat races with theatre performances, live music, concerts and a wide variety of food and drinks. For more information and the full programme, visit the event’s website.  

Sunday Afternoon Concerts

If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy music with friends, Oranjepark is the answer. Every Sunday until 31 August, from 14:00 to 16:00, this well-known Apeldoorn park will host concerts featuring a variety of styles, including jazz, pop, soul, rock, blues, folk, choirs and more. You can view the full programme here.  

Excitement on Two Wheels

The best Dutch BMX athletes will gather in Apeldoorn for the national championships on Saturday, 7 June, and Monday, 9 June. Expect thrilling races as riders showcase their speed, technique and agility. Organised by the Royal Dutch Cycling Union (KNWU), the competition features various categories, ranging from youth to elite. Events will be held at the BMX Apeldoorn track (Kanaal Zuid 130), from 08:00 to 16:00 on both days.

Buitenpost Wine Festival

Sip, swirl and savour over forty wines at this laid-back vineyard event on 28 June, from 14:00 to 21:00. The Buitenpost Wine Festival features Dutch natural wines and international favourites, complemented by food trucks and live music in a charming French-style setting. Bike travel recommended. Get more information here.  

Bird is the Word

The fascinating world of birds takes centre stage in the exhibition ‘Aerial Acrobats and Musical Artists’, on display at the Aardbalans study centre (Spadelaan 8) in Apeldoorn until 31 July. Organised in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, the exhibition includes a wide range of images and mounted birds, along with intriguing facts and insights into various bird species and their unique traits. Admission is free, and visits are possible on Wednesday afternoons, from 14:00 to 17:00.

WUP 03/06/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

How to Design Better Assessments: Session Outlines Importance of Constructive Alignment

Dadi Chen Delivers Guest Lecture Targeted at Education Professionals

On 14 May, Wittenborg Deputy Head of the School of Business Dadi Chen delivered the guest lecture ‘Constructive Alignment in Practice: Designing Assessment for Business Modules’, as part of the school’s Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) Programme in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. The activity was conducted in a hybrid format and attended by lecturers participating in the PGCert Programme, as well as other Wittenborg education professionals. 

During the session, Chen outlined the Constructive Alignment framework, which emphasises the importance of aligning teaching and learning activities, assessment methods and intended learning outcomes. Among other topics, he highlighted that assessment demands should be designed so as to orient students to distribute appropriate amounts of time and effort across all the important aspects of the course. Moreover, the guest lecture discussed the role of feedback in learning, the elements of assessment design and the different types and purposes of assessments. The session also included a discussion on current assessment practices at Wittenborg and delved into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered technologies impact constructive alignment.  

According to Chen, lecturers need to be mindful of the quality, reliability and level of difficulty of the exams they design. “Throughout my career, I’ve encountered situations such as multiple-choice questions being used to test higher-order learning, assessment workloads that don’t align with students’ available study time and even typos and grammatical errors in exam questions. Moreover, examiners are now challenged to verify the authenticity of students’ learning in an AI-powered world. These are just some of the reasons why lecturers must pay closer attention to assessment practices and continuously seek improvement in this area,” he said. 

The Deputy Head of the School of Business commented that the session was very productive, with participants being actively engaged. “They reflected critically on how they manage assessments and contributed significantly to the discussion about what needs to be improved at Wittenborg to increase the effectiveness of our assessments.” 

Wittenborg associate professor Gabor Molnar was one of the participants of the activity. According to him, the outcome was positive. “I enjoyed being part of the session; it was engaging and highly relevant to my teaching practice. Dadi's guest lecture offered valuable perspectives on how to rethink assessments in a way that not only embraces AI tools but also ensures that students continue to develop essential cognitive skills. It also reminded me of the importance of designing assessments that align with teaching objectives and support ongoing student development.” 

For Wittenborg associate professor Cha-Hsuan Liu, who also attended the workshop, lecturers often focus on developing their teaching skills by attending courses but tend to overlook assessment design. “Assessments are a very powerful tool to connect with students’ learning processes and help them improve. Nowadays, we’re dealing with the emergence of AI, and to effectively evaluate students’ critical thinking, we need to design new strategies, such as hands-on case studies. I joined this workshop to learn from Dadi and the other participants, and also to share my own perspectives. It was a great session, and since it was recorded, other lecturers will have the opportunity to watch it.”

WUP 03/06/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Running Towards his Goals: Wittenborg Student Completes Zandvoort Circuit

Arshia Baharloueiyancheshmeh Shares Journey of Physical and Mental Fitness 

For Wittenborg student Arshia Baharloueiyancheshmeh, running is more than a hobby – it is a way of life. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Sports Business Management, Arshia began running while still living in Iran.  

“I started practising more seriously after arriving in the Netherlands in August 2023. At first, it was just a way to clear my head and deal with the stress of moving to a new country, not knowing anyone and adjusting to a new environment. It quickly turned into a routine, kind of like my own space to reset and reflect,” he says.  

According to him, the biggest positive effect of running has been mental. “Running gave me a sense of control and accomplishment, especially when everything else felt uncertain. It also helped me stay disciplined, which translated into my studies, coaching and daily life. Plus, it’s a great way to explore new places and meet like-minded people, whether during events or just out on a trail.” 

One of Arshia’s recent accomplishments was completing the Zandvoort Circuit Run, which partly takes place on the famous Formula 1 track and along Zandvoort Beach. In March, he ran both the 4 km course in the morning and the 12 km course in the afternoon. “This wasn’t my first event; I’d participated in a few smaller races before, like 10 Ks and local runs, but this was my longest race so far and one of the most memorable. I’ve always been passionate about fitness, but I wanted to push my limits both mentally and physically,” he comments.  

In addition to regular practice, the student’s preparation for the event included a balanced diet. “I prepared for about three months, following a structured plan that gradually increased my mileage each week. I usually ran twice a week – a shorter run on weekdays and a long run every Sunday. I also incorporated strength training and stretching to avoid injuries. Moreover, I focused on a balanced diet with a good mix of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. A week before the race, I started carb-loading,” he explains. 

Most of Arshia’s training was solo, but he did occasionally run with a few friends who were also preparing for the race. “On race day, I ran alone but had friends cheering me on, which really helped.” 

According to the student, the beach section was the most challenging part of the race. “It was windy, and the sand made it tough to maintain rhythm. But the nicest part was entering the racing circuit, with music and spectators around. That gave me a burst of energy! Finishing the race was a mix of exhaustion and pure joy. My legs were tired, but I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment and pride. It was one of those moments where the mental victory outweighs the physical pain.” 

Looking ahead, Arshia is planning to take part in other races and eventually complete a full marathon in the Netherlands. In addition to running, he is involved in several other activities, including serving as the president of Wittenborg’s student representatives and volunteering as a coach for the U18 basketball team at WSV Basketball Club in Apeldoorn. 

The student highlights that he got involved with the club shortly after moving to the Netherlands, adding that coaching these young athletes has been one of the most rewarding parts of his journey.  

“At first, I helped with small tasks during training sessions but eventually, I was trusted with leading a team myself. The club is very community focused. We work a lot on player development, teamwork and confidence, both on and off the court. Most of the players are between 16 and 18 years old, and it’s been amazing to watch them grow not just as athletes, but also as individuals. It’s honestly like being part of a second family,” Arshia concludes.  

WUP 02/06/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

What’s on in Amsterdam: The Coolest Events to Catch This June

Dutch Parliament Rejects Language Test for English Programmes, Wittenborg President Weighs In

Tweede Kamer Votes Against Language Test for English-Taught Higher Education

The Dutch House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) has voted against the proposed Language Test for Other Language Courses (TAO), a government measure aimed at limiting the expansion of English-taught programmes in Dutch higher education.

The ANP (Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau) and NL Times reports that universities and universities of applied sciences welcomed the decision, saying the test would have caused unnecessary bureaucracy and hindered the recruitment of international students.

The TAO would have required all bachelor’s programmes offered entirely in English or another foreign language to undergo a mandatory language quality test and justify why instruction could not be provided in Dutch. The measure was intended to protect the Dutch language in higher education and reduce the increasing number of English-taught courses at universities and universities of applied sciences.

However, universities and universities of applied sciences, alongside several political parties, opposed the proposal. They argued that the test would create unnecessary bureaucracy, hinder the recruitment of international talent and limit student choice. Following assurances from institutions about self-regulation, the majority in the Tweede Kamer voted to scrap the TAO requirement.

Minister of Education, Culture and Science Eppo Bruins welcomed the decision, saying the self-management plans of educational institutions made the test less necessary while preserving the Dutch language and enhancing the chances of international students staying in the country.

Peter Birdsall, President of Wittenborg, commented on the outcome: “It has no direct impact as Wittenborg was exempted anyway. However anything that is good for international students in Dutch higher education is good for Wittenborg. Additionally, our students joining the first-year bachelor’s programme offered at OnCampus Amsterdam will have more certainty about the possibility of progressing to the University of Amsterdam after gaining their Propedeuse certificate.”

On the balance between promoting the Dutch language and maintaining international accessibility, Birdsall said:   “We have always maintained that a basic to good knowledge of working Dutch is essential for success in the Netherlands. It’s important for international students looking to remain after their studies.”  

He added a message to prospective international students: “The Netherlands remains open and welcoming for international students coming to study here.” 

WUP 30/05/2025 
by James Wittenborg 
©WUAS Press 

BBA Students Step Up as Real Consultants Driving Digital and Green Innovation for Project Week

Wittenborg Students Use BusyBees Method to Solve Real Business Challenges

From 14 to 17 April, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) students at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences took part in an immersive Project Week that challenged them to step beyond traditional classroom learning. Operating under the theme “Business Games: EU Twin Transition – Digital and Green Skills”, the week-long simulation encouraged students to apply their academic knowledge to real-life business scenarios focused on digital innovation and sustainability.  

More than 140 students participated, collaborating with two industry partners on practical challenges. Paleis Het Loo, one of the Netherlands’ most iconic royal palaces located in Apeldoorn, tasked teams with increasing visitor engagement while reducing environmental impact. Meanwhile, Dadas Zeevis Groothandel B.V., a sustainable seafood wholesaler, invited students to design market expansion strategies that aligned with evolving regulatory standards and long-term sustainability goals.

The simulation was based on the BusyBees Business Game methodology, developed through an Erasmus+ partnership aimed at aligning higher education with the EU’s twin transition priorities – digital transformation and green innovation.

Students were expected to work as real consultants, crafting digital strategies that aligned with sustainability principles. Through the process, they developed skills in digital marketing for sustainability, CSR (corporate social responsibility) and more.

To prepare them, a team of faculty and staff played crucial roles. Vajihe Shojaei, Fjorentina Muco and Vanessa de Oliveira Menezes – in collaboration with academic and industry partners – delivered introductory sessions, led interactive workshops and offered one-on-one feedback throughout the week.

As Shojaei reflected: “We had the opportunity to participate in workshops focused on key themes like digital marketing for sustainability, CSR, ESG (environmental, social and governance) and the Twin Transition. These sessions helped us deepen our understanding of the latest tools, frameworks, and teaching strategies, and prepared us to pass that knowledge on to our students confidently.”

Over four days, students worked in diverse teams to build strategies tailored to their assigned company. Their final presentations – delivered on 9 May – showcased creative, well-researched and highly applicable solutions.

Erasmus+ Project Administrator & Researcher Jian Liu highlighted some of the standout ideas, such as the use of augmented reality at Paleis Het Loo to enhance the visitor experience by allowing guests to interact with historical scenes and characters via their smartphones. For the seafood group, students proposed strengthening the company’s online presence through sustainable storytelling – sharing behind-the-scenes content on eco-friendly practices, launching a unified campaign like #MadeGreen and collaborating with eco-conscious influencers. 

Shojaei later emphasised the student-driven learning process: “Their solutions were not only thoughtful and innovative, but also deeply informed by ethical, environmental, and digital awareness.”

Muco echoed these sentiments: “All groups had done serious work and provided relevant ideas to the case. For some of the students this project was the last one before graduation, and I am happy that they accomplished their study journey with the sweet taste of victory.”

Meanwhile, de Oliveira Menezes engaged directly with representatives from Paleis Het Loo and noted the enthusiasm of both students and partners: “The representative expressed great enthusiasm for the ideas proposed by the students. Many of the suggestions were straightforward and cost-effective, which made them especially appealing.”

The connection to real industry challenges was one of the project’s biggest strengths. Students held Q&A sessions with company representatives, adapted to live feedback and worked within authentic constraints.

“They appreciated how clear and real-life the project was,” Shojaei said, describing students’ reactions. “Many said they loved being able to contribute to solving an actual industry problem. It wasn’t just another assignment — it was a chance to take on a real role and make a difference.”

The seafood group was particularly impressed and highlighted how creative and innovative the solutions were.

This particular Project Week also stood out because it was international in nature, taking place simultaneously in partner institutions across Europe. Shojaei explained: “This is an international project, implemented simultaneously in different countries. This global dimension enables participants to share and compare challenges, insights, and outcomes, which can significantly enrich the learning experience.”

It became clear that the train-the-trainer model – where educators first receive focused training before guiding students – worked exceptionally well. Shojaei captured the spirit of co-learning: “This wasn’t just about delivering content — it became a true co-learning experience. The students didn’t just absorb what we taught; they expanded on it, brought their own insights, and challenged us with their fresh thinking and global perspectives.”

The winners of Project Week will be publicly announced soon.

WUP 28/05/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Green4ADU Project Reaches Key Milestone as E-Learning Content Goes Live

Green4ADU On Track: Pilot Phase Set to Launch This Summer

Green4ADU — the Erasmus+ partnership helping adults upskill for tomorrow’s green jobs — has reached a major milestone. During its second Transnational Project Meeting (TPM), held online on 7 May 2025, the five-country consortium confirmed that the core e-learning content is complete, the platform is nearly ready for testing and a Europe-wide pilot will launch this summer.

E-learning modules ready for testing

A suite of online courses covering climate literacy, circular economy basics and green-sector job hunting has been finalised and will be uploaded to a dedicated platform in June.

Summer pilot across five countries

From July to September, each organisation will invite local participants to trial the courses, share feedback and earn a digital badge recognising the time they invest.

Hands-on workshops to follow

From October, the team will host practical sessions — think urban gardening, upcycling and nature-based mindfulness — to help learners apply new knowledge offline and build stronger community connections.

Running from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2026 under the Erasmus+ ‘Co-operation Partnerships in Adult Education’ action, Green4ADU is coordinated by Wittenborg with support from five specialist partners. Together, they aim to:

• Raise environmental awareness and personal wellbeing
• Bridge the skills gap in Europe’s fast-growing green labour market
• Foster closer collaboration between adult-education providers and local authorities.

By the project’s end, the consortium will publish an open-access learning pathway, a toolkit for adult educators and a set of policy recommendations to make lifelong green learning the norm rather than the exception.

“In short, Green4ADU is planting the seeds for a more sustainable and inclusive future across Europe,” said Jian Liu, Erasmus+ Project Administrator and Researcher at Wittenborg.

Reflecting on the recent meeting, Liu added:

“The event was both positive and productive, showing that the project is progressing smoothly and on schedule. Despite being online, the meeting was focused, with a strong sense of collaboration and clear next steps.

"A highlight was seeing the e-learning modules take shape as accessible tools for adult learners. There’s real excitement for the pilot and workshops, which reflect our shared belief in the project’s impact — helping people build green skills and reconnect with their communities.

"Green4ADU is more than just curriculum development; it’s about creating meaningful opportunities. I’m especially looking forward to seeing the pilot bring our work to life this summer.” 

WUP 27/05/2025 
by James Wittenborg
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg President Highlights Wittenborg’s Impact During Burlington Delegation Visit

Delegation Commemorates Liberation of Apeldoorn, Exploring Future Collaboration

As part of the 80 Years of Freedom commemorations, a Canadian delegation from Burlington, Ontario, visited Apeldoorn on 6 May to honour the long-standing ties between the two cities — a relationship rooted in the liberation of Apeldoorn by Canadian soldiers in April 1945.  

Among the participants was Peter Birdsall, President of Wittenborg, who joined a special event focused on mobility, climate adaptation, urban transformation and trade.  

The delegation included Mayor Marianne Meed Ward (C.Dir.) and Councillors Kelvin Galbraith and Rory Nisan from Burlington. After exploring Apeldoorn's city centre with Aldermen Marco Wenzkowski and Nick Derks, as well as municipal advisors and area manager of Apeldoorn, Jaap van de Rijt, Tom Brands and Bernie ter Steege, the group attended the afternoon programme at TOMRA Collection Nederland. The event was hosted in cooperation with MKB Trade Office and Oost NL/GO4EXPORT.

Birdsall gave a short talk during the business meeting, emphasising Wittenborg’s regional and international reach.

“I highlighted Wittenborg’s impact and how we might collaborate with similar institutions in Canada. There is real potential to strengthen the relationship between Apeldoorn and Burlington through academic exchange and applied research,” said Birdsall.

In follow-up discussions with the Canadian delegation, Birdsall proposed a concrete path for future joint efforts — a link between Wittenborg’s MBA programmes and those of McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business, located just five kilometres from Burlington. DeGroote is AACSB-accredited and part of a university ranked among the top 100 globally.

“We discussed the idea of MBA-level collaboration, including exchanges and joint projects between students and faculty. The mayor and her team expressed interest and agreed to connect us with the business school to explore the next steps,” he noted.

Wittenborg is currently in the final stages of its own AACSB accreditation process, with a review panel expected in September. Birdsall expressed optimism that the university will join the global top 5% of accredited business schools by the end of the year.

WUP 26/05/2025
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press