Nigerian Diaspora Leader, Dr. Jidda-Fada Bids Farewell After Seven Years on Adult Learning Wales Board
Oru Leonard
A Nigerian education leader and governance expert Dr. Salamatu Jidda-Fada based in Wales, United Kingdom has announced her departure from the Board of Adult Learning Wales (ALW), bringing to a close seven years of distinguished service marked by institutional transformation, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning.
In a heartfelt farewell letter titled “Leaving with Gratitude: Seven Years as a Governor of Adult Learning Wales,” Dr. Jidda-Fada reflected on a journey that began in 2019 as a member of the Learner Experience Committee and culminated in key leadership roles, including Chair of the committee and Vice Chair of the organisation.
Describing the experience as one of the most rewarding chapters of her professional life, she recounted how the board successfully navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by rapidly transitioning to digital learning platforms while safeguarding educational access for thousands of learners across Wales.
She also highlighted the difficult financial decisions the board made to preserve the organisation’s long-term sustainability, praising the culture of transparency and shared responsibility that guided its governance during uncertain times.
Dr. Jidda-Fada commended ALW’s commitment to continuous improvement, noting that the organisation consistently demonstrated excellence during inspections by Wales’ education inspectorate while embracing recommendations as opportunities to strengthen service delivery.
Reflecting on broader reforms in the Welsh education sector, she said the organisation adapted effectively to the introduction of Medr, the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, ensuring compliance with new regulatory and funding requirements while positioning itself for future growth.
Among the achievements she described with particular pride was her contribution to broadening diversity within the board by helping recruit governors from ethnic minority backgrounds. She also acknowledged ALW’s progress in embedding equality, diversity and inclusion, strengthening safeguarding systems, advancing sustainability policies, and implementing long-term financial planning.
Dr. Jidda-Fada said the governance experience at ALW had profoundly shaped her leadership approach, lessons she now applies in her roles on several international boards, including the Eryri National Park Authority, the Advisory Board of RSPB Cymru, and organisations in Uganda, Nigeria and Ghana.
Although stepping down at the end of July, she stressed that her bond with the organisation would endure.
“Leaving is bittersweet. But leaving is not disappearing,” she wrote, pledging to continue following and celebrating ALW’s achievements from afar.
She expressed heartfelt appreciation to current and former board members, staff, tutors, and executive leadership for their dedication to learners and collaborative spirit throughout her tenure.
Special tribute was paid 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 and the board.
Concluding her emotional message, Dr. Jidda-Fada declared that Adult Learning Wales would always remain close to her heart, describing her seven-year service as a privilege for which she remains deeply grateful.
