Benjamin Aye Simon, a PhD student in the Faculty of Health Sciences and President of the International Students Organisation (ISO) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), is a dedicated researcher, leader, and advocate for international students. From his humble beginnings in a Dutse Kagoro (Afan Ogworok) in Nigeria to pursuing advanced research in South Africa, his journey reflects perseverance, resilience, and a passion for creating meaningful change.
Simon belongs to the Attarkar tribe, also known as the Takad tribe, a small ethnic group in Nigeria with a population of about 50,000 people. Due to the village’s isolation, many people across Nigeria have never heard of the Attarkar community. Growing up in such an environment shaped his sense of identity and resilience. From an early age, he understood that education was a pathway to opportunities and a powerful tool for creating change.
His academic journey began at St Joseph’s Theological Institute, where he developed a strong intellectual and ethical foundation that continues to guide his work today. For his primary education, Simon attended LEA Primary School Fadan Kagoro, a public school in Kagoro. His path through secondary school was not always smooth. He attended several schools before eventually completing his studies and writing his matriculation examinations at Gaskiya Skills International School in Barnawa, Kaduna State. Each transition came with new challenges, but these experiences strengthened his adaptability and determination to succeed.
According to Simon, growing up in communities affected by poverty and limited healthcare inspired his passion for public health and epidemiological studies. Witnessing weak health systems, poor nutrition and preventable illnesses motivated him to pursue epidemiology and clinical research with the aim of improving health outcomes across Africa.
“Through my work, I seek to understand how health systems, socioeconomic conditions and access to healthcare affect the wellbeing of mothers and children. My goal is to generate evidence that helps policymakers make informed decisions and improve healthcare services,” he shared.
Simon’s academic work also builds on his previous master’s research, which examined how maternal socioeconomic factors influence acceptable diets among children under five years old in South Africa. This research helped him understand how structural inequality affects child nutrition, health outcomes and long-term wellbeing. He strongly believes that reliable data and scientific evidence are essential for improving healthcare policies and ensuring that resources are allocated where they are needed most.
His current PhD research focuses on the epidemiology and complications of gestational diabetes in South Africa and across Africa, with particular attention to its impact on maternal and child health.
In addition to his doctoral research, he is actively involved in mentoring and supervising master’s students and collaborating with researchers from different universities and disciplines, including public health, clinical research, nutrition and pharmacy. Through these collaborations, he contributes his expertise in biostatistics while also learning from other specialists working to improve health systems.
Beyond academia, Simon also plays an important leadership role on campus. The ISO organisation works to create a supportive environment that helps international students adapt to life in a new country while also encouraging academic excellence and cultural exchange.
Through ISO, Simon and his team organise orientation programmes, social events and networking opportunities to help international students build friendships and feel part of the university community. One of their recent initiatives included a First-Year Orientation Programme designed to help new international students understand academic expectations, campus resources and administrative processes. The organisation also introduced monthly social gatherings that provide students with a relaxed space to connect, share cultures and reduce feelings of isolation.
“International students face challenges such as visa delays, registration issues and language barriers, which can cause significant stress and disrupt academic progress. Drawing from my own experiences with immigration delays during my PhD journey, I am committed to advocating for better support systems that protect students’ academic continuity and wellbeing,” he explained.
Despite his many responsibilities, Simon balances his academic and leadership roles through careful planning, teamwork and discipline. He believes that maintaining good health through regular exercise, proper nutrition and hydration helps him stay focused and productive. For him, success is not only about academic achievement but also about maintaining a balanced and purposeful life.
Pictured: President of the International Students Organisation (ISO), Benjamin Aye Simon.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
