A Nigerian graduate student at Northern Illinois University (NIU), Isaiah Chukwudi Samuel, is gaining recognition for launching a thought-provoking podcast that unites global voices around key conversations on leadership, education, and civic engagement.
Samuel, who is currently pursuing a dual master’s degree in Political Science and Management Information Systems at NIU, created The Lumina to bridge the gap between academic insight and everyday impact.
The podcast, launched in January 2025, offers in-depth dialogue on topics that shape societies—from ethical leadership and mentorship to career resilience and civic responsibility.
“There’s so much insight that never reaches the people who need it most—especially young people and underrepresented communities,” Samuel explains, adding that:“The Lumina is about democratizing access to knowledge.”
Each bi-weekly episode features distinguished guests, including scholars, nonprofit leaders, business consultants, and grassroots advocates.
Notable guests have included Prof Scot Schraufnagel, a leading expert on U.S. elections;Scott Rosenfelder, a retired Deloitte consultant and NIU business lecturer; and Lisa Dietrich, CEO of Network of Nations, a nonprofit supporting international students.
Beyond intellectual discourse, the podcast frequently delves into personal reflections—on family, loss, and personal growth—offering listeners both emotional resonance and academic depth.
Isaiah’s leadership extends beyond the podcast. At NIU, he has served as a graduate senator, co-authoring legislation that established formal representation for international students and spearheading efforts to institutionalise an annual Campus Sustainability Week.
His contributions have earned him two Presidential Leadership Awards, including the distinction of being the only graduate student university-wide to receive the honor.
While still in its early stages, The Lumina is already building a dedicated audience across academic, diasporic, and youth communities.
Its compelling mix of cross-cultural dialogue, thoughtful inquiry, and accessible storytelling is resonating widely.
The podcast is currently available on YouTube, with plans to expand to other platforms later this year.
For Isaiah, The Lumina is more than a creative endeavor—it’s a form of public service.
“This is civic education in action. The goal is to empower people—wherever they are—with knowledge, stories, and values that help build stronger, more thoughtful communities.”
