Lecturer Hussain goes to top of the class (From Warrington Guardian)

Lecturer Hussain goes to top of the class

A CHEMICAL engineer-turned-lecturer from Warrington has won a top accolade.

Iraqi-born Hussain Ahmed, who lectures at Halton College, has been awarded a City & Guilds medal for excellence for his outstanding performance. It is the first time lecturers have been recognised in this way.

"I am very honoured," said Hussain, who fled Iraq in 1983 for family and personal reasons.

"It is a privilege for me to receive recognition for my high standard of work, achievement and training in education."

Hussain gained 12 years' experience working in the oil and gas industry in the UK and abroad, before studying for a PhD in petroleum engineering.

He has been involved in research and teaching since 1992.

"I deliver, develop and design training courses for the chemical industry in Widnes, Runcorn, Liverpool, Warrington and Manchester," said father-of-three Hussain, who lives in Warrington.

His students work in the chemical and oil industry and follow open learning courses on day release. He visits them at work and delivers training on site.

Many come from The Gulf and Africa to gain further qualifications and training.

Women working in the pharmaceutical and food industry have also enrolled on his courses.

Hussain is now keen to share his expertise, knowledge and experience to help educationists rebuild universities in war-torn Iraq.

"We hope to help train their staff and technicians," said Hussain, whose parents and relatives live in Iraq.

"People in Iraq are enjoying their freedom and the open market.

"They are very hard working people, willing to develop their country.

"I am very very optimistic. I can see light at the end of the tunnel after the change of the dictator regime.

"I want to give something back and develop education links between Britain and Iraq."