A Nigerian Muslim woman has been named as postgraduate student of the year at the University Of Manchester, offering a role model to Muslim students worldwide.

Halima Ali Shuwa, who studies Immunology at the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, confirmed the award on her pages on social media.

“Yes. I was awarded PGR (post graduate research) student of the year by the University of Manchester Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health in the UK,” Shuwa wrote on LinkedIn, Vanguard reported.

“Euphoria is what I’ll describe this feeling. This feels so unreal.”

I am happy and proud to received the Distinguished achievement medal award for the best postgraduate student of the year 2022 from the @OfficialUoM. Huge thanks to @HussellTracy and @MadhviM for their endless support, friendship and guidance @LydiaBeckerIII @FBMH_UoM pic.twitter.com/H6HKQSCGrP

— Halima A Shuwa (@Shuwa143) June 30, 2022

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“Huge thanks to Petroleum Technology Development Fund and Nigerian government for giving someone like me the opportunity to thrive and become the best version of myself. Words aren’t enough,” she added.

“Thanks to The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and the Doctoral Academy Manchester for this honor, and big thanks to Prof Tracy Hussell and Dr Madhvi Menon for your mentorship, guidance, encouragement and friendship.”

Success Story

This Muslim Girl Named One of World’s Brightest Students

Shuwa started her academic career after getting Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) at University of Maiduguri, Borno State and Master’s degree in Immunology at Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto State.

In 2018, she won a Petroleum Technology Development Fund overseas scholarship award to travel to the UK for her doctorate degree.

Growing up in a large family, as her father had 30 kids, Shuwa thanked her family for supporting her.

“I dedicate this to my parents Alh Ali Shuwa and late Haj Binta Ali Shuwa (God, I hope I make them proud), my brother Iliyasu Ali Shuwa (my go to person of all time), my husband Mukhtar Maikusurwa,” she said.

“The entire Ali Shuwa family and all my family and friends for all the support, encouragement and prayers you’ve showered me with.”

There are several other success stories of Muslim students worldwide.

Last month, Lava Haji, a 19-year-old Syrian Muslim student, was named the 2022 student of the year in the Netherlands, in recognition of her talents in a highly competitive environment.

Fareedah Oyolola from Lagos, Nigeria, was named one of the world’s brightest students by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) in August 2021.