Former University of Greater Manchester Student and Staff Member Wins Black Student of the Year at UK Black Healthcare Awards

A former student and staff member of the University of Greater Manchester, Salome Enoshi Uwah, has been named Black Student of the Year at the Black Healthcare Awards 2026, held on Saturday, 4 July, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.

Salome, who is currently a doctoral student at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, is a former Masters of Research in Applied Artificial Intelligence student at the University of Greater Manchester. She also previously served as IEEE Student Branch Chair, Student Success Coach, member of the Staff Student Liaison Committee, and staff member of the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh).

Salome is currently studying under the Ebonyi State Government Scholarship Scheme, Nigeria, an initiative supporting outstanding scholars to advance their education and contribute to knowledge, innovation, and development.

Her latest national recognition adds to her growing list of achievements, including the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Prize, which acknowledges academic excellence, leadership, service, and outstanding contribution to the university community.

The Black Healthcare Awards, organised by the Caribbean and African Health Network, recognise excellence among Black healthcare professionals, students, leaders, and innovators across the United Kingdom. The awards celebrate individuals of African and Caribbean heritage who are making significant contributions to healthcare, education, research, leadership, and community impact.

Congratulating her, Professor Celestine Iwendi, Head of the Centre of Intelligence of Things, described Salome’s achievement as a proud moment for the Centre and the wider academic community.

“We are extremely proud of Salome’s remarkable achievement. Her recognition as Black Student of the Year reflects resilience, academic excellence, leadership, and purpose-driven impact. As a former CIoTh staff member, MRes AI student, and IEEE Student Branch Chair, she represents the kind of talent, service, and leadership our Centre is committed to nurturing. Her success is an inspiration to young people, especially African students and professionals seeking to make global impact.”

Also speaking, Sam Johnson, Head of the School of Creative Arts and Technologies, commended Salome for her dedication and exemplary journey.

“Salome’s success is an inspiring moment for our School and the wider University community. Winning Black Student of the Year, alongside receiving the Vice-Chancellor’s Prize, is a clear demonstration of her hard work, ambition, and commitment to excellence. We warmly congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”

Reacting to the award, Salome expressed gratitude to the Governor of Ebonyi State, her mentors, academic supervisors, colleagues, family, friends, and everyone who supported her journey.

She said the recognition was not only a personal milestone but also a testimony to the power of opportunity, mentorship, scholarship support, and perseverance.

Salome’s journey from student leadership to doctoral research and national recognition reflects the growing impact of Nigerian and African excellence in global education, healthcare innovation, and technology-driven research.

Her achievement is being celebrated as a proud moment for Ebonyi State, Nigeria, the University of Greater Manchester, CIoTh, the School of Creative Arts and Technologies, and the wider African academic and professional community.