10 September, the Student Union Council decided to nominate TYY Board Chair Josefina Tuomala for the position of Chair of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) and TYY Board Member Aada Aho for a seat on the SYL Board.
Josefina Tuomala has served as Chair of TYY Board in 2025 and as Vice Chair in 2024. Tuomala states that, as Chair of SYL, she would promote students’ interests both diplomatically and with a bold voice.
“SYL is a unique organisation that defends students’ rights on a national level. Leading it would mean the opportunity to influence the future of students with heart and passion. Few organisations are as impactful as SYL. As Chair, I would use this influence to defend equal opportunities in studying and to promote student wellbeing in everyday life.” Tuomala says.
Aada Aho has served on TYY’s Board in 2025, with responsibilities in social policy, equality, environment, and international affairs. Aho says she wants to help create a student movement through SYL that leaves no one behind and dares to demand a fairer future.
“Students’ everyday lives have faced major setbacks: cuts to income, a challenging housing situation, and a mental health crisis have raised concern nationwide for good reason. We are reminded daily how much work still needs to be done for human rights to be realised. I want to dedicate my expertise, passion, and commitment to advancing these issues, as they form the foundation of students’ wellbeing and capacity to study,” Aho states.
The Chair and Board of SYL will be elected at the Union’s General Assembly, held on 14–15 November 2025. The Chair and Board work full-time throughout the calendar year, advocating for students’ interests and making the voice of the younger generation heard in society. SYL's members consist of all the student unions in Finland representing around 140,000 university students in Finland.