This reflection on Tosin’s Room was first published in 2019 as a tribute to Tosin Olusoga and the space within the School of Economics that carries his name. Ten years after Tosin’s passing, his memory remains part of the everyday life of the community. New generations of students continue to study, meet and talk in the room named after him, often learning his story for the first time. In this quiet way, Tosin’s presence endures – in the friendships, conversations and ambitions that fill the space.
Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened.
I am unsurprised at how people experiencing heartache find comfort in the beauty of these words.
My reason for choosing it to open this blog? The room next door is newly christened the ‘Tosin Olusoga Student Space’. For ease, let’s call it Tosin’s room. This piece, like the room, is a celebration of the man. And if you aren’t someone who benefitted from crossing his path? I hope it provides an explanation for why this space is so perfectly named.
Let us start with a simple question. What’s so special about Tosin’s room? What transpires daily? Most notably, it is a room for dialogue. I know this well as I hear every raised syllable and every joyous giggle. It’s a hub for chat. Indeed, I’m currently listening to a passionate plea over why Chelsea- by winning the Europa League final- are superior to their London rivals. Born on the 26th March 1997 at Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield, Tosin certainly loved his football. Learning to play at the age of 7 and kitted in the fanciest of footwear, he became a passionate Arsenal fan. He would tut at the current debate and the unjustified pro-Chelsea conclusion. He would put this conversation right.
The room’s chatter always veers eventually to economic comment. Moans about errors in mathematical notation are followed by chat over ‘will it ever end?’ Brexit. The room echoes with the sharing of knowledge. Tosin’s love for economics is a perfect fit. His interest in the subject is sparked back in his Secondary School days. At De Aston School in Lincolnshire, that interest only gathers momentum. His mother, Patricia, sends him the Economist without fail every month. He visits Wall Street. But his inspiration isn’t one of simple personal glory. During his Schooling he makes many friends amongst his classmates, including the daughter of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who will become the 14th Emir of Kano. A former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, it cements Tosin’s appreciation of how economics can significantly impact on a people’s well-being. He wants to help the Nigerian economy to achieve greater success. Acknowledging the destructiveness of corruption, he passionately desires to pursue economic development in his home economy. To make a difference is everything to him. His confidence in this endeavour shines through. So much so that it impacts on the lives of others. They too want to achieve more, to make a difference.
The room’s study chat doesn’t last. Laughter eventually drifts down the corridor. It’s a place to cement friendship. Another means to make the world a better place. I’m reminded of that by Tosin’s friends. Charismatic and cheerful, there are unsurprisingly many of them. They inform me of his infectious enthusiasm that inspires hope, love and achievement. Just through the little interactions, from childhood reminiscing to laughter in fine-tuning student cooking skills, people are inspired. They go on smiling at Tosin’s memory. A legacy created through wonderful friendship.
It’s lunchtime. The room’s noise level always intensifies. I don’t mind. The hullaballoo is joyful and acknowledgement of our friendly environment. I’m reminded of a striking selfie of me and Tosin together at the Economic Society’s Christmas Ball. He’s the dapper looking one, I’m the silly bloke in the kilt and long socks. I’m reminded of an experimental assessment in the module ‘Economics of Society, Media & Culture’. It’s a twitter diary. Students are asked to show the wisdom of economic analysis by showing how it can be applied to anything. We’re not restricted to topics covered in core economic theory. It isn’t just about consumption and production. In his diary, ‘Lord Tosin’ remarks, “it takes a lot more than education to reach potential”. He’s right. It also takes fight, using that fight to appreciate right and wrong. Tosin, whilst business minded, also had that understanding in abundance.
Student, Friend, Brother and Son. Tosin, together with his family and his friends, will always be part of our ECO community. They are always welcome. His loss will always ache. We choose, however, to focus on the love.
Tosin’s mother has kindly shared the following photographs taken after the memorial gatherings held in his memory. They capture moments of friends, students and members of the School of Economics community coming together to remember him and support one another. We are grateful to Tosin’s family for allowing these memories to be shared here.
In 2018 Tosin received a posthumous degree. The School of Economics also introduced the Tosin Olusoga Memorial Prize in his memory, open to African students and awarded for excellent performance in their final assessment.
A decade after Tosin’s passing, the room that bears his name continues to be part of the daily rhythm of the School of Economics. Students gather there to revise, debate ideas, and spend time together between lectures. For many, it is simply a familiar place to work or meet friends. For those who know the story behind the name, it is also a quiet reminder of a life that continues to shape the community around it.
This is such a lovely post!
Tosin you definitely made it ‘simple but significant’. I’m inspired by the impact you made in such a short period of time.
Words cannot express how much I’ve missed you over the past three years.
Heaven has definitely gained an angel! may your soul continue to rest in peace. 💚💛💚
This is a great post and a true testiment to Tosin.
There is a saying “People do not always remember what you did but they will always remember how you made them feel”
That epitomises Tosin’ impact and this blog will transcend and impact many more people.
RIEP
I never met Tosin but i met his mum and i have also seen the enthusiasm of the school at immortalising his memory it makes me feel like i have known him for years i can almost visualise him. This is an.opportunity for him to touch the lives of even those who never met him. Kudos tho the initiators of this wonderful idea it ensure that Tosin lives on.
This is a beautiful post.
Tosin was always destined for greatness and I am happy that students, teachers and friends, past and new, will be able to know of the impact he had on people.
A special soul, Tosin will never be forgotten.
Met Patricia (Tosin’s mum) by accident on a flight back to Lagos a few years ago. I’ve been awed by the young man’s story and achievements in such a short time on earth. I’m happy to see that the people that mattered to him (family and friends) continue to share his story to act as a beacon of hope for the rest of us.
My dearest Son.Everything has been said about you. Like I have always said, you were here for a purpose. Gods got you. Each day I have living proof. You surely have done me extremely proud on earth and in death. I celebrate u daily as you were very “simple but significant “ in every aspect of your life.A great Blessing to Me and your sister.
Continue to R.I.P My dearest TOS.
(Patricia) Mum💕🙏🏽😇
Great blog and a testament to Tosin’s impact in his short but memorable life.
Continue to rest in peace dearest Tosin
This is a beautiful post and the preservation of his memory in pictures and words makes the blog even more beautiful!
Its amazing to remember Tosin at times like this. You’ve been missed and I pray that your soul continues to rest in the peace of the lord. Indeed you’re gone, but will never be forgotten. ❤️
Fantastic piece written from the Soul by a friend. I am an Aunt to Tosin and Dayo . They visited me in Lagos on several occasions and spent weekends and Half terms with me in the house when their mother was busy at work. They were both very well behaved and with extremely good manners. I was very sad to hear of his passing but also grateful to God for giving us Tosin and the quality time he spent with us. Rest well Tosin untill we meet to part no more🙏
Continue to rest in peace, Tosin. Heaven gained an angel indeed!
Tosin, no doubt fulfilled his earthly task of leaving an impact in his short time, as hard as it may seem to grasp.
I attest to this having never met Tosin, except through the words of his Mum, but yet inspired by the deeds intimated on during our conversations.
Rest on Tosin and God’s grace be with the loved ones you left behind.
Continue to rest in peace Tosin, i miss you everyday
May Tosins soul continue to Rest in eternal peace 😇😇💗
A month from today will be five years you went to be with the lord! Continue to R.I.P dearest Son!
Never met Tosin but through his sister and this blog I’ve seen many similarities between me and him. I could also picture the amazing man he was and his impact during his time on earth, heaven definitely gained an angel. His legacy lives on and We’ll continue to celebrate it forever!
Tosin was my neighbour in Herts. who adopted me as his uncle, I will see him almost every day of the week for the best part of five years as we shared the same foot path to his primary school. He will come to my BBQ and played football in my back garden and when the food is ready he will queue up to get a taste of the chicken and salad. He will ask a lot of questions about all sorts, he made great company even at an early age, always chatty. I am not surprised how he positively impacted so many people including his peers.
The last time I saw him was when he spent Christmas in the UK while living in Nigeria, his mum told me how he looked forward to sharing Christmas Lunch at my house and wanted my special Salad Nicoise I perfected over the years, still have photos of those moments we shared having a meal in my kitchen. I am so grateful that I shared in Tosin’s life, I am proud that he called me ‘Uncle’ even though we were not related, his parents taught him how to respect elders the African way. My son is the same age as Tosin’s sister Oladayo, he attended the 5-year memorial yesterday via Zoom and was amazed how people of all ages expressed their love and appreciation for Tosin. Indeed ‘Death is nothing at all. It does not count”. Even in death Tosin is continuing to bring people together, though he left us so soon he has set the ‘bar of life’ so high in his life that we have a tough act to follow. I hope my son and everyone that knew him will draw some inspiration from his example. My memories of Tosin are a good, kind, fun, positive, energetic, bright, inspirational person and with the most infectious smile. I will always remember him and associate him with these amazing qualities.
Tosin when you were growing up, you looked up to Uncle Donald and asked questions about things you expected me to have answers for. You have gone to a higher place now, a room next door and I should look up to you now this time round. I am so grateful have known you, I miss you and may your Soul Rest In Peace.
Tosin you made it simple and very significant. Even though you are not around physically but your spirit lives on. The little time you lived made a great impact that it will a very big inspiration to other children and students. Tosin may your gentle soul
continue to rest in perfect peace Amen
It always surprises me how quickly time goes by, 10 years is a significant time to do so much, to write a new chapter in the book of life. I have seen Tosin grow from a baby to an impactful young man and we are here soon to commerate him.
Its not the time in your life but the life in the time that has the greatest impact.
Tosin will never be forgotten, he is in the room.
This is inspiring. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations to excel.
Ten years may have passed, but the light Tosin Olusoga brought into the world hasn’t faded one bit.
It is truly remarkable how much he achieved and the lives he touched in such a short time; he packed a lifetime of purpose into those years.
To his mother, Patricia Nwachukwu, and his dear sister, please accept my deepest condolences as you mark this milestone.
May the beautiful memories of his drive and kindness continue to bring you peace and strength today.
Tosin remains a true inspiration to us all. 🕊️gentle🤍✨
Tosin ‘Oluswagger’ Olusoga, it’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since you left this world to go back to our Creator; I miss you dearly brother.
I still remember the first day we met when we were 10 years old, not knowing we would go on to have a friendship that would have lasted a lifetime. Not a day has gone by that you don’t come to mind, I think I subconsciously try to ensure I don’t forget you (though you are truly unforgettable). I reminisce a lot over our formative years, in boarding school, playing football (watching you ping balls across the field like Iniesta before you became the Messi of Court Soccer), and the many, many nights of laughter. The memories bring a smile to my face, I truly cherish these moments; Crepz and Swagger.
10 years on, I ponder upon where you would be right now, where in the world you live, what kind of career you would have, if you would have been married or started a family, and how stylish you would still be! What I believe with every fibre of my being, is that you would be making us all proud, and your family would always have a reason to smile because of you.
Ps- you told me 10 years ago or so that Arsenal would win the league. You weren’t quite right then, but they look mighty close to making you proud this year (as much as I don’t want it happen!).
Love you brother, till we meet again.
Tosin you left us ten years ago with no good bye. You broke us. You were a young oncoming man who shared warmth and love everywhere you went. I remember the last visit you paid to our home when your mum left you and your sister Dayo to spend your holidays with Uncle Cyril and I. You were a bundle of joy to have around. I pray that you will remain forever in our hearts. May the Lord rest your lovely soul. You are greatly missed.
Heading to your 10th year memorial today and Lord I can’t believe it’s been 10 years already. 10 years.
One thing I’m thankful for is how much you meant to so many people, and I’m grateful that UEA honours your memory in the way it does.
Time has gone by but my memory of you never fades. You live through so many of us – your friends, your family and even people that have witnessed your impact posthumously.
I will always miss you Tos. I cherish the time we spent together and I take solace in spending time with people who loved you just as much.
You are sorely missed and I pray that we’ll meet again some day. Till then, i’ll always have you in my heart and mind!
Continue resting Tos ❤️
Tosin may you continue to sleep in eternal peace.
I never had the privilege of meeting Tosin, but I know his mother Patricia and sister Dayo, and that connection alone has given me a window into the kind of person he was.
The pride, love and strength she carries when she speaks is a reflection of the son she raised.
Reading this, I can see why. A young man driven not by ambition for his own sake, but by a genuine desire to make a difference — for his country, for the people around him, for the friends he inspired simply by being himself. That is rare at any age.
The room is a beautiful tribute. Not a monument to loss, but a living space full of exactly the kind of noise and laughter and debate that Tosin clearly loved.
Thank you for sharing this so openly.
His memory deserves to be known far beyond those who were lucky enough to know him personally.