A creative fashion student who designed Dame Chi Onwurah MP’s investiture outfit has won a prestigious education industry award celebrating his achievements.

Lamin Gibba, an MA in Creative and Professional Practice student at Newcastle College University Centre (NCUC), received the University Student Achievement of the Year award at the Educate North Awards (ENAs) on Thursday 7th May.

Lamin was crowned winner at the awards ceremony at The Point, at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, in recognition of his achievements, academic excellence and transformative impact as a peer mentor and creative catalyst.

Lamin, who lives in Heaton and is co-founder of independent high-end streetwear fashion brand, Jerry J Clothing, along with his son Jackson, had limited experience in fashion design, production and creative communications before moving to Newcastle from Gambia.

Judges heard how Lamin, who moved to Newcastle from Gambia to better his chances in life, demonstrated significant commitment, resilience, ambition and exceptional self-direction throughout his degree programme.

Lamin used his academic studies to build professional capability, industry confidence and cultural impact, all while balancing full time study, running his growing business, family commitments and extensive community engagement.

Lamin’s successes include:

  • Designing and producing a bespoke investiture outfit worn by Newcastle MP Dame Chi Onwurah, showcased publicly and credited to a student-led NCUC creative team, demonstrating professional-level design, collaboration and cultural significance.
  • Curating and delivering Born to Elevate, a large-scale fashion and cultural event held in June 2025 at The Boiler Shop, Newcastle, attracting 200 attendees, including international dignitaries and national figures such as the High Commissioner for Gambia, Dame Chi Onwurah MP and former footballer Bruno Pilatos.
  • Securing work experience at London Fashion Week with designer Tolu Coker, despite having no prior fashion industry experience.
  • Producing a documentary that premiered at Tyneside Cinema, leading to a new venture in event videography serving Gambian, Senegalese and Sierra Leonean communities in the UK.
  • Receiving coverage from platforms including High Life North, Tyne & Wear TV, Darling Magazine and Darkus Magazine,, as well as the front cover of Crack magazine.

Lamin’s work is inspired by his Gambian heritage, merging fashion, culture and storytelling to inspire and elevate creativity. His creations incorporate the deep roots of his African heritage into a vision of modern elegance.

Commenting on his award win, Lamin said: ““I’ve had an interest in fashion ever since I spent time in my aunt’s fashion and tailoring shop back home, but I had little formal training and I decided to move to Newcastle to better my chances in life and forge my career. My creativity and commitment were well and truly sparked, so it’s amazing that my achievements have been recognised with this award.

“Winning this award means a lot to me and I couldn't have done it without all of the amazing staff, classmates and everyone who has believed in me and supported my vision. I am truly grateful for the opportunities and guidance from NCUC, I feel like I'm in a great place to keep building my clothing brand and see what more I can achieve."

Connor Herron, Head of Higher Education at Newcastle College University Centre said: “We are absolutely delighted to see Lamin recognised in these highly competitive awards - a win that is incredibly well deserved.

“Lamin’s journey from having limited access to the industry to achieving national recognition shows just how transformative higher technical education can be when talent is supported in the right way. Throughout his time with us, Lamin has demonstrated outstanding creativity, determination and ambition.

“At NCUC, our role is to recognise potential, enable talent and provide students with the skills, confidence and opportunities to thrive - and Lamin exemplifies everything that approach is about. His achievements are not only outstanding for a student, but exemplary within the wider creative industries. We have no doubt he will go on to achieve even more, and we’re incredibly proud to have been part of his journey.”

Newcastle College also won the Community Engagement in the HE/FE Sector award for its Open Doors: Beyond Barriers programme and was shortlisted for the Student Experience in the HE/FE Sector award for its Warm Spaces Initiative.

Lamin’s second runway show - Shy Bairns Get Nowt - is a celebration of boldness, ambition and creativity. With a focus on having the confidence to go for what you want, the show is being held at The Boiler Shop on Wednesday 10th June 2026 from 6.30pm to 10pm. Get tickets here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shy-bairns-get-nowt-runway-show-tickets-1985683060487.