Husam chose to study the Lancaster Full-time MBA to further his management career having moved from the not-for-profit to the corporate sector.

He said winning the award meant a lot to him.

“I consider it as a reward and recognition for all the hard work I have done in my life. It is also a reward for my family, friends and Lancaster University Management School for putting their faith and support in me to be able to finish my MBA.”

The first Sudanese student to join the Lancaster MBA, Husam has also added to the MBA programme by teaching part of the course on Global Society and Responsible Management, discussing the difficulties of doing business in a conflict zone.

He brought his experiences of developing an NGO in South Sudan, and of implementing a corporate social responsibility strategy for a North Sudanese oil company to the MBA classroom.

“I have seen first-hand the positive effect business can have on small African villages and I believe responsible business can provide solutions to the eradication of poverty in the developing world. It is therefore very important that business schools engage with the developing world and emerging markets, and I look forward to working with AMBA and taking an active role in helping schools in developing countries improve their MBA programmes so they can become accredited.” 

, the Full-time MBA programme director, said: “During Husam's time on the MBA, North and South Sudan returned to war. This caused considerable stress for Husam, who had to return to Khartoum to move his family to safety. Despite this, Husam has not missed any part of the Lancaster MBA and he has shown leadership within the classroom, mentoring other students.”

Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher, Chief Operating Officer at the Association of MBAs, congratulated Husam on the award.

“Husameldin was chosen from a very high standard of finalists and we congratulate him on his success. We are thrilled to see that each year the quality of MBA students continues to excel and this year Husam has demonstrated a unique commitment to quality and engagement in the MBA programme and has plans to use his MBA to set up a business or social enterprise in his homeland of Sudan.”

A panel of judges from business education, management and investment judged the award.