Dr Sopuruchi Aboh, a PhD graduate from our Department, has won the PolyU PhD Thesis Award 2025 – Outstanding Award (Non-STEM Category) for his thesis titled "Accent and social evaluation: A sociolinguistic analysis of language attitudes and stereotypes in university settings in Nigeria.” The thesis explores the formation of stereotypes and language-based bias. His research highlights how discrimination or lost opportunities due to individuals' English accents are unjust.
The PolyU PhD Thesis Award is established by the Graduate School to recognise, reward, and promote the distinguished research achievements by graduating PhD students. The award comprises two classes—Outstanding and Merit—to acknowledge varying levels of academic excellence.
Dr Aboh is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the department. This honour not only recognises Dr Aboh's outstanding work and contributions to advancing knowledge with applications but also acknowledges the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by his supervisor, Prof. Hans Ladegaard.
