Three Accounting and Finance students from the University of Salford have been recognised for their outstanding achievements after receiving prestigious 2026 David Illingworth Awards.
Level four students Jibraeel Ali, David Egan and Luca Oakes were among this year’s recipients, with each recognised in a different category celebrating excellence in accounting education, while studying their Governance, Ethics and the Legal and Regulatory Environment module here at Salford.
Jibraeel received the award for Academic Contribution, recognising the positive impact he has made throughout his studies. David was honoured with the award for Academic Achievement, celebrating his outstanding academic performance, while Luca received the award for Academic Improvement, acknowledging the significant progress and dedication he has demonstrated during the year.
On the award, student, Jibraeel Ali, commented: “Among the awards I have attained throughout my education, the David Illingworth Memorial Scholarship felt the most rewarding, not because of the prize itself, but because this achievement was specifically attributed to my own efforts. This made me feel a much greater sense of satisfaction and pride in the process.
“In addition, being personally invited to attend the award ceremony was a new experience for me. However, I am glad that I stepped outside of my comfort zone to attend. The event was both valuable and unique and it made me feel more recognised than the typical certificates I have received in the past. As such, I am extremely grateful that I was given the opportunity to attend.
“As of now, I feel increasingly optimistic about my prospects and I am striving to make the most of any opportunities like this that come my way in the future.”
The David Illingworth Awards honour exceptional students studying accounting and related subjects across the University of Salford, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester. Named in memory of David Illingworth, a former President of ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) Manchester, ICAEW National President and Master of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the awards celebrate academic excellence and personal development while strengthening links between higher education and the accountancy profession.
Charlene Pattison, Module Leader and Lecturer in Accounting at the University of Salford, said: “These awards celebrate much more than academic success. Jibraeel, David and Luca have each demonstrated qualities that are fundamental to a successful career in accountancy, whether through exceptional achievement, meaningful contribution or significant personal development.”
Fleur Middlebrough, Subject Group Head and Senior Lecturer in Accounting at Salford Business School, added: “We’re incredibly proud to see three of our students recognised as recipients of David Illingworth Awards.
“Receiving external recognition from organisations so closely connected to the accountancy profession is a fantastic achievement and reflects the talent, commitment and potential within our accounting and finance community. These awards not only celebrate individual success, but also demonstrate the high standards our students consistently achieve.”
Students were considered against the criteria for each category, with University colleagues identifying and nominating those whose achievements best reflected the spirit of the awards.
The awards were presented during a ceremony held at Manchester Metropolitan University on the 2 July 2026 and were attended by representatives from the three participating universities, alongside senior figures from the accountancy profession, including Rod Sellers OBE, MSCA Legacy Limited Director, Alistair Hollows, and Master of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Vince O’Brien.
Charlene concluded: “Receiving a David Illingworth Award offers more than recognition of academic success. The awards provide external endorsement from organisations with longstanding connections to the accountancy profession, giving recipients valuable evidence of their achievement, contribution and development that can strengthen applications for placements, internships, graduate roles and future professional qualifications.
“Congratulations to Jibraeel, David and Luca on this well-deserved recognition. Their achievements demonstrate the talent, commitment and potential of Accounting and Finance students at Salford and highlight the University’s continued commitment to developing the next generation of accounting professionals.”