A staff member at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to healthcare education and leadership at the African Health Summit Ireland 2026.
Sherifat Ukachukwu, Clinical Skills Learning Coordinator at TUS, who is from Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, received the Outstanding African Healthcare Leader Award during the African Healthcare Awards Gala, held as part of the African Health Summit Ireland conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, Dublin.
Sherifat received the award in recognition of her leadership in healthcare education and her commitment to advancing professional development, innovation and international collaboration. The award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional excellence and a sustained commitment to improving healthcare through education, innovation and collaborative practice.
The summit brings together 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. Held under the theme Leading the Future of Healthcare Across Borders, this year’s summit 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.
Guiding healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds through a series of collaborative discussions, she encouraged the exchange of ideas and explored practical solutions to challenges including workforce sustainability, leadership development, equitable healthcare access and international collaboration.
Sherifat Ukachukwu 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.”
The University 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 for a programme exploring the future of healthcare through collaboration, innovation and shared learning.
Anne Cooney said:
“As healthcare continues to evolve in response to global challenges, opportunities such as the African Health Summit Ireland play a vital role in inspiring innovation, fostering partnerships and promoting excellence across healthcare systems. The TUS Nursing Allocations Team was proud to be part of this important event and to engage with healthcare professionals from Ireland and internationally.”
Head of Department of Nursing and Healthcare, Dr Des Cawley, said:
“Congratulations to Sherifat on her outstanding and richly deserved achievement. 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.”
