Manchester Metropolitan University unveiled as aziz inclusion award winner 2024

Manchester Metropolitan University has been unveiled as the winner of the Aziz Inclusion Award 2024. The Award celebrates, on an annual basis, one of the Foundation’s University Partners that have demonstrated excellence in accommodating British Muslim students.

Aziz Foundation trustee, Rahima Aziz BEM, presented the award to Prof. Jenny Watling, who accepted the winner's trophy on behalf of the institution.

In response to the institution being declared this year's winner, Rahima Aziz said:

"In bettering the Muslim student experience, Man Met have come on in leaps and bounds, from Ramadan provision to timetable considerations. It was  really an honour to meet the fantastic team working so hard behind the scenes to support students on campus. This award is an important celebration of the University's EDI work, which we look forward to seeing continue for years to come."

In reaction to receiving the Aziz Inclusion Award, Prof. Jenny Watling, Pro-Vice Chancellor International at Manchester Metropolitan University, said:

“We are immensely proud to be recognised for our ongoing efforts to create an intentionally inclusive community, which enriches the University experience for students, colleagues and visitors. We remain committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for everyone and these achievements demonstrate our clear progress and firm commitment to address inequities and create opportunities for everyone to flourish.” 

The Chair of the Aziz Inclusion Judging Panel, Dr Zain Sardar, commented:

"The judges were  extremely impressed by Man Met's commitment to its Muslim students. The institution's determination to drive behaviourial and cultural change and develop a sense of community on campus for minoritised students deserves recognition. The judges  were particularly  keen  to highlight the efforts of the Muslim chaplains, and the significant measure, enacted centrally, of avoiding timetabling clashes with Friday prayers."   

Four of the Foundation's partner universities were shortlisted for the award in June. The judging panel tasked with agreeing upon a winner and runner up, after consideration of institutional submissions and scholar testimonies, included three external panellists:

• Nahid Roshanali, Campaign Engagement Officer, IAM
• Ayesha Ahmed, Public Affairs Professional and Aziz Mentor
• Ibrahim Mohammed, Aziz Ambassador and Education Influencer

The Board of Trustees would like to congratulate Man Met's Senior Management Team on its achievement. Moreover, the Foundation is eager to continue strengthening its partnership with Man Met, collaborating on tackling participation and progressions gaps experienced by British Muslim communities.