An education intervention launched by the Government of Ebonyi State is already producing international impact, with one of its beneficiaries, Salome Enoshi Uwah, emerging as a global standout in Artificial Intelligence and leadership at the University of Greater Manchester, England.
In January 2025, Governor Rt Hon Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru flagged off an ambitious programme that sent 745 students on advanced degree scholarships, 204 to the United Kingdom and 541 to universities in Nigeria. From this cohort, Salome has distinguished herself as one of the brightest examples of what targeted educational investment can achieve.
Now a Master of Research student in Artificial Intelligence, Salome has excelled not only academically but also in leadership and advocacy, raising the profile of Nigeria and Ebonyi State on international platforms.
Her achievements include:
Global award winning researcher
Salome represented the University of Greater Manchester at the IEEE Women in Engineering International Leadership Summit Research Poster Competition, where she emerged as the overall winner on 28 November 2025. Competing with leading engineering minds from around the world, she demonstrated that African excellence is globally competitive.
Historic achievement in IEEE publications
She became the first Master of Research student in the Computing Department of the university to secure three papers published simultaneously on IEEE Xplore, one of the most respected engineering research repositories. She has also maintained distinctions in all her coursework, drawing admiration from academics and professionals across Europe.
Pioneering advocate for women in STEM
Salome founded the Women in Engineering Affinity Group at the University of Greater Manchester, the first formal structure in the institution dedicated to supporting women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is a legacy initiative that will provide support and visibility for female engineers for many years to come.
Recognised on the University Wall of Fame
In recognition of her influence and outstanding performance, the university featured her on its Wall of Fame, identifying her as one of its most impactful and inspirational students. Her sustained academic distinction is even more remarkable considering that she combines her studies with the responsibilities of being a wife and mother.
First Nigerian woman to lead the IEEE Student Branch
Salome currently serves as President of the IEEE Student Branch at the University of Greater Manchester, making her the first Nigerian woman to hold this position. In this role, she has created platforms for other students to grow, mentor one another and engage with industry.
IEEE Supernova honouree
In September 2025, she received the prestigious IEEE Supernova distinction under the IEEE STAR Recruiter initiative. The citation recognised her leadership, mentorship and community building and noted her instrumental role in significantly expanding the university’s IEEE membership base.
Beyond the classroom, Salome works as a Research Assistant at the Centre of Intelligence of Things, where she contributes to cutting edge projects in Artificial Intelligence and intelligent systems. In October 2025, she was selected to join an elite academic and technical delegation to the World Trade Organization Headquarters in Geneva, where she helped train WTO staff on the application of AI in global trade and supply chain optimisation, a responsibility rarely given to a student.
Her story is also one of resilience. Following the loss of her father, she assumed responsibility for the education of her younger siblings and had nearly given up on further studies. She credits the Ebonyi State scholarship scheme with restoring her hope and opening doors to a larger global mission. She has publicly expressed deep gratitude to Governor Rt Hon Francis Nwifuru and commended the Ebonyi State Scholarship Board for a transparent selection process and well considered placement.
Salome’s impact predates her study in the United Kingdom. She founded the Kindle Women Initiative, a grassroots organisation that empowers schoolgirls through skills and mentoring. Through this initiative, she has personally funded scholarships for eight girls from her community in Ngboejeogu.
Today, Salome Enoshi Uwah stands as a symbol of what becomes possible when courage meets opportunity. From a rural community in Nigeria to the forefront of Artificial Intelligence research and leadership in the United Kingdom, she represents a new generation of African scholars who are not only succeeding abroad but are also creating opportunities for others.
Her journey underscores a powerful message to policymakers across Africa: with deliberate investment in human capital, nations can raise global leaders, innovators and change makers whose impact will be felt far beyond their borders.