Adult Learning Wales (ALW) has announced the departure of Vice Chair Dr. Salamatu Jidda-Fada from its Council (Board of Governors). Her departure marks the conclusion of almost seven years of distinguished service defined by institutional transformation, resilient leadership, and a passionate commitment to adult education across Wales.
Dr. Jidda-Fada's journey with ALW began in 2019 as a member of the Learner Experience Committee. Over the years, her vision and leadership have seen her step into vital voluntary roles within the organisation's Council, including Chairing the Learner Experience Committee and, most recently, serving as Vice Chair of the Council.
During her tenure, Dr. Jidda-Fada played a pivotal role in supporting ALW through significant sector shifts and unprecedented global challenges, including navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by advancing digital inclusion to ensure uninterrupted educational access for thousands of adult learners across Wales.
Drawing on her background in education and activism, transparent governance. She has also broadened diversity at the highest levels of governance by helping recruit board members from ethnic minority backgrounds, alongside embedding robust Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), safeguarding, and sustainability policies within ALW.
Dr. Jidda-Fada on her role as a Council Member for Adult Learning Wales said:
“Leaving is bittersweet. But leaving is not disappearing. Adult Learning Wales will always remain close to my heart. Serving over these past seven years has been a privilege for which I remain deeply grateful.
“I would like to pay tribute to Chief Executive Kathryn Robson and Deputy Chief Executives Cath Hicks and Mark Baines for fostering a relationship of trust, transparency and mutual respect between the executive leadership team and the board of trustees.
“I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to current and former board members, staff and tutors for their dedication to learners and collaborative spirit throughout my tenure with Adult Learning Wales.”
Kathryn Robson, Chief Executive of Adult Learning Wales, commented:
“Salamatu has made a significant and lasting contribution to Adult Learning Wales. I have particularly valued her insight, integrity and willingness to challenge us constructively, alongside her unwavering commitment to equality, inclusion and ensuring that learners remain at the heart of our work. It has been a real pleasure to work with Salamatu, and I am enormously grateful for her support, wisdom and friendship. We will miss her greatly and wish her every success for the future.”
Stephen Nicholls, Chair of the Council for Adult Learning Wales, further added:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Salamatu. As one of my Vice Chairs, I have valued her sound advice during policy debates and curriculum issues, and her natural exuberance about the direction of the organisation. She will be sorely missed but, equally, has exciting career options ahead of her.”
Adult Learning Wales looks forward to maintaining a lasting relationship with Dr. Jidda-Fada as a lifelong friend and advocate of the organisation and extends its deepest thanks for her years of dedicated service.
