Master of Arts in Fashion student awarded prestigious Gold Medal

Azizah Adunola Alawusa recognized for outstanding academic achievements and community leadership

By: Mays Saifan

October 29, 2025

Azizah Adunola Alawusa stands between TMU President Mohamed Lachemi and Chancellor Joanne Chin-Loy Chang, holding her certificate and Gold Medal.

Azizah Adunola Alawusa (middle) with Dr. Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University (left), and Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University (right).

This Fall, MA Fashion graduate Azizah Adunola Alawusa received the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Gold Medal for The Creative School. As the university’s highest honour, the award recognizes one student from each faculty who demonstrates exceptional academic performance and a commitment to leadership, service, and community engagement.

Azizah stood out for her scholarly excellence and meaningful contributions within and beyond the university. She completed her graduate studies with a 4.19 GPA and played a significant role in fostering community through mentorship and cultural involvement.

Black-and-white portrait of Azizah Adunola Alawusa wearing a headwrap and hoop earrings, looking toward the camera.

Azizah Adunola Alawusa poses in a dark outfit with large teal-and-orange floral sleeves against a deep green background.

Leadership rooted in care and cultural vision

Throughout her time at TMU, Azizah played an active role in shaping spaces of connection and support. As a graduate mentor, she helped cultivate a welcoming environment where students felt seen and supported. Her leadership extended beyond the university through her involvement in African culture and heritage events and her work with Nigerian fashion businesses pursuing sustainable design practices.

Through these initiatives, Azizah built bridges across cultures and championed innovative approaches to creative industries. Her work reflects a dedication to service and a clear sense of purpose that has left a lasting impression on those around her.

A model wears a red velvet top and white lace skirt during a fashion showcase lit in red tones.

Clothing items designed and styled by Azizah Adunola Alawusa for the Black North Initiative Gala Fashion Exhibition, Spring 2024.

Three mannequins display garments designed by Azizah Adunola Alawusa, including a red beaded dress, a white gown, and a traditional striped outfit.

A mini collection of course projects exhibited at the Material Dialogues exhibition organized by the MA Fashion graduating class of 2024.

“People clothe me”: The meaning behind the award

For Azizah, the Gold Medal represents more than an individual achievement. She describes it as the culmination of the collective encouragement and support she received throughout her academic journey.

“It is the greatest honour of my TMU journey to have been awarded the gold medal for The Creative School. My entire experience these past two years has culminated into this humbling accomplishment which highlights the value of having supportive professors, well-meaning classmates and colleagues, and a devoted community. My close-knit family and quality friends also served as constant support systems throughout this phase for which I am forever grateful. Eniyan laso mi! - Indeed, people clothe me!” she says.

Azizah Adunola Alawusa, wearing a red scarf, measures fabric on a table with a small team of collaborators.

Azizah teaching volunteers pattern drafting while leading her Zero Waste Design Workshop, Fall 2023.

Bridging creativity and science

Azizah describes herself as a multipassionate person working at the intersection of creativity and science, and the Gold Medal has reaffirmed that path for her.

“Receiving this medal motivates me to better embrace my unique talents and pursue meaningful impact across disciplines. It has also imbued me with a sense of confidence and belonging in the creative community that I have always sought. More importantly, I am excited to continue to share myself selflessly with every community I am a part of to reach my ultimate goal: to win some victory for humanity through altruism,” Azizah says.

Azizah Adunola Alawusa stands on a ladder photographing a garment in TMU’s fashion studio filled with materials and dress forms.

Azizah taking a photo of an archived caftan during her internship in the Global Fashion & Textiles Department at the Royal Ontario Museum, Summer 2024.

Looking ahead

Azizah’s journey reflects the power of community, academic dedication, and cultural leadership. As she moves forward, she aims to deepen her interdisciplinary impact and continue creating spaces that inspire creativity, care, and meaningful change.

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.