Published on 01 September 2021
Tributes have been paid to a University of Sunderland journalism graduate shot and killed in an armed robbery in Ghana.
Syed Taalay Ahmed, 31, was working for Muslim Television Ahmadiyya International (MTA) when his vehicle was ambushed on 23 August.
Syed studied MA Magazine Journalism at the University between 2012 and 2013.
Today his programme leader, Dr Alex Lockwood, paid tribute to him.
He said: "We are deeply upset after hearing about the sudden death of Syed.
"Syed was not only a talented journalist who was passionate about the job he loved, he was also a devoted family man, and a good friend.
"When he came to study at the University, Syed's desire to become a journalist was evident from day one. Although he had no undergraduate experience in journalism, we wanted to give him the opportunity to fulfil that dream.
"It was a pleasure watching Syed build a successful career in the job he loved and we stayed in touch with each other over the years.