OYY nominates Vilma Sippola for President of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) for 2026
The decision to nominate Sippola was made by the OYY Student Council at its meeting on 16 September
The Student Council of the Student Union of the University of Oulu (OYY) has decided to nominate Vilma Sippola for President of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) for the year 2026. Sippola, 24, currently serves as Chair of the OYY Board. “Students need courage and determined advocacy right now,” Sippola emphasises. “Investing in education, students’ wellbeing and their financial security is also an investment in Finland’s future. Thriving students who receive high-quality education are an asset, not an expense,” she states.
“Vilma has a strong understanding of the challenges students face and concrete proposals to address them,” says Veera Huotari, Vice Chair of the OYY Student Council. “It’s a pleasure to nominate such a competent and motivated candidate for SYL!”
Sippola, who studies history of sciences and ideas, served as Vice Chair of the OYY Board in 2024, with responsibility for social affairs. In that role, she gained experience in advocacy work by drafting and presenting OYY’s urban policy programme to decision-makers in Oulu. “Vilma is a solution-oriented and determined chair. She has already proven her skills as an advocate and her willingness to continuously develop herself, qualities that are essential for a president,” says OYY’s Secretary General Eetu Leinonen.
SYL’s board and president will be elected at the general assembly on 14–15 November. The last time SYL had a president from Oulu was in 2023, when the position was held by Lotta Pennala (née Leinonen).