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Named in memory of Michael Adamson who lost his life in a preventable workplace incident, the scholarship provides paid-for study for the NEBOSH National or International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals.

Now in its second year, this annual scholarship programme attracted more than double the number of applications. Nearly 1,200 applications were received from people around the world who want to continue their learning, develop their careers and positively influence workplace health and safety.

The winners showed exceptional passion, ambition and a genuine commitment to not only their personal development but that of their colleagues, organisations, profession and country. They are:

• Lydia Benham
• Drew McLaren
• Curtis Langton
• Catherine Marfoah Awuah
• Aya Ehab Saleh
• Adejumoke Anuoluwapo Ayenigba
• Nji Ghislain Ngwa
• Nwafor Odinaka Vincent
• Joanna Amanyire
• Victor Chimezie Chionu

Catherine said: “It has always been my priority career goal to save lives, effect change, and then share knowledge with future generations. I am very excited that NEBOSH has realised this and given me a platform as a stepping stone to achieving these goals. I will ensure I make good use of this opportunity to prevent another Michael’s story from happening.”

The judging panel – NEBOSH Diploma holders Robert Jukes and Khansa Burai, NEBOSH’s Dee Arp and Matt Powell-Howard, and Louise Adamson, Michael’s sister and NEBOSH Ambassador – commented on the passion they could feel from every applicant; the commitment and care shown to protecting people in workplaces around the world was clear to see.

The 2022 winners

Winners of the NEBOSH National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals

• Lydia Benham is a Health & Safety Consultant. She entered the world of health and safety after supporting on a fatality case; it changed her outlook on the world and drove her to make sure those types of accidents don’t happen again. Lydia has now worked in the profession for nearly 10 years and “it’s been the best decision I ever made!”.
• Drew McLaren is a Health & Safety Advisor from Scotland who is determined to influence behavioural and cultural change. Drew believes the scholarship will give him the knowledge and confidence to develop as a professional and provide the best support to his colleagues. Drew is also committed to developing the vital soft skills, such as communication, to drive real transformation.
• Curtis Langton is a Technical Manager working in engineering. Not only does he want to gain skills to help develop health and safety in his organisation, but Curtis wants to help share his knowledge and expertise with the wider materials finishing industry. He believes it is our role as professionals to share information together and help to build a better standard that benefits everyone.

Winners of the NEBOSH International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals

• Catherine Marfoah Awuah is a Safety Officer from Ghana. As a child her life changed when her father was made ill by work and it was this experience that made her chose a career in health and safety. Recently employed in a pharmaceutical organisation, Catherine is determined to use her Diploma learnings to effect change, implement the right health and safety systems and impart knowledge to younger generations.
• Aya Ehab Saleh is a Deputy HSE Manager in Qatar. She dreams of becoming a health and safety manager in a country where women are underrepresented in the profession. Achieving the Diploma will not be the end of her journey; Aya wants to make a true impact on worker’s health, safety, security, welfare and general life.
• Adejumoke Anuoluwapo Ayenigba is a Chemistry Analyst and QHSE representative in Nigeria. She believes the knowledge gained from the Diploma experience will not only benefit her but will be of immense help to her colleagues so they can all deliver safe and efficacious medicinal products. In the future she aspires to cross into policy making organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations.
• Nji Ghislain Ngwa is a Safety Officer in the United Arab Emirates where he is using his learning from the NEBOSH International General Certificate to deliver improvements in the workplace. Originally from Cameroon, Nji has a vision to return and improve the health and safety of his home country in the future and already runs a Twitter account to help raise awareness there.
• Nwafor Odinaka Vincent is Health, Safety & Environmental Officer. His eldest brother lost their life in a workplace incident and Nwafor does not want someone else to lose a family member in circumstances that could be avoided. As a Nigerian working in the UAE he has faced challenges and wants to use his further learning to have his voice heard and overcome prejudices.
• Joanna Amanyire is a Health, Safety & Environment Officer from Uganda. She believes the Diploma will enable her to develop her competence and become an influential health and safety professional who takes part in raising standards and shaping greater occupational safety and health focus across Uganda and Africa.
• Victor Chimezie Chionu is a Safety Officer in Nigeria. He has already been able to influence and improve safety in his workplace, challenging mindsets and advising management. Victor is determined to protect people who are vulnerable in the workplace; he sees the role of a health and safety professional as beyond employment but as an opportunity to save families from the pain of losing a loved one.