TUS employee receives 'outstanding African healthcare leader' award
A clinical skills learning coordinator at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Department of Nursing has been recognised for her extraordinary contribution to healthcare education and leadership at the African Health Summit Ireland conference in Dublin.
Ballinasloe resident Sherifat Ukachukwu was honoured at the African Healthcare Awards Gala, with the 'outstanding African healthcare leader award'.
The event was part of the African Health Summit Ireland conference, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown.
The award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional excellence and a sustained commitment to improving healthcare through education, innovation and collaborative practice.
Sherifat received the award for her leadership in healthcare education and her commitment to advancing professional development, innovation and international collaboration.
The summit brings together stakeholders in the healthcare industry like healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, policymakers, innovators and community leaders from Ireland and around the world to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore solutions to global healthcare challenges.
The theme for this year's summit was 'leading the future of healthcare across borders', which focused on innovation, workforce development, health equity and international collaboration.
In addition to receiving the award, Sherifat played a prominent role in the summit as lead facilitator for the 'World Café session, co-creating the future of healthcare across borders'.
Sherifat guided healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds through a series of collaborative discussions. She encouraged an exchange of ideas to explore practical solutions to challenges like workforce sustainability, leadership development, equitable healthcare access and international collaboration.
Thrilled with the achievement, Sherifat said: "It was a privilege to be recognised at the African Health Summit Ireland and to contribute to conversations on the future of healthcare.
"Facilitating the World Café session highlighted the value of bringing together healthcare professionals from different backgrounds to share ideas, learn from one another and work collaboratively to improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes.
"Collaboration across borders is not simply an aspiration – it is essential to building healthcare systems that are equitable, resilient and prepared for the future."
TUS was also represented at the summit by Anne Cooney, clinical allocations manager, and Tracey Dillon, nursing allocations officer, who joined healthcare leaders, educators and researchers from Ireland and internationally.
Congratulating Sherifat on the honour, head of department of nursing and healthcare, Dr Des Cawley, TUS Athlone said: "Sherifat's award is testament to her dedication to advancing healthcare education, supporting professional development and fostering partnerships that strengthen clinical collaboration across borders.
"Her achievement reflects not only her own professionalism and leadership, but also the strength of the collaborative work being undertaken within TUS.
"We are immensely proud to see Sherifat recognised on an international stage and of the contribution our staff continue to make in advancing healthcare education, collaboration and excellence."