By Esther Onyegbula

Leaders across business, science, culture and social advocacy converged in Lagos as the British Council honoured outstanding Nigerian beneficiaries of UK education whose work is shaping national development and global engagement.

At the 2026 Study UK Alumni Awards held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, the British Council spotlighted four Nigerians whose contributions span healthcare innovation, human rights advocacy, digital culture and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the ceremony, the British Council Country Director, Donna McGowan, said the awards underscore the global relevance of UK education and its enduring impact across sectors.

“The Study UK Alumni Awards is a prestigious global award that celebrates UK higher education and the achievements of UK alumni worldwide. Now in its twelfth year, it has received more than 1,800 applications from alumni across over 120 countries, representing more than 110 UK universities,” she said.
The event brought together senior government officials, academics, industry leaders and professionals, reinforcing educational ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom while promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange.

In the Social Action category, international human rights lawyer, Kola Alapinni, was honoured for his advocacy on freedom of religion and belief. He has handled high-profile blasphemy cases in Kano, including those involving minors, securing overturned sentences on appeal while challenging the constitutionality of such laws.

In Culture, Creativity and Sport, content creator and food entrepreneur, Yemisi Sophie Odusanya, popularly known as Sisi Yemmie, was recognised for promoting Nigerian cuisine and lifestyle through digital storytelling. Her platform has attracted over one million subscribers, amplifying Nigerian culture to global audiences.
The Business and Innovation award went to Dimeji Sofowora, co-founder of Helium Health, for advancing healthcare technology across Africa.

His company has supported thousands of healthcare providers and digitised millions of patient records, while also expanding access to financing for medical facilities.
In the Science and Sustainability category, Professor Abdulazeez Ahmed of Bayero University Kano was recognised for pioneering hearing care initiatives. He established Nigeria’s first audiometrician training programme and has driven workforce development in ear and hearing health, particularly in underserved communities.

Strengthening UK–Nigeria ties
The British Council noted that the awards go beyond recognition, serving as a platform for professional networking and dialogue among alumni contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
It emphasised that international education remains a key pillar of UK–Nigeria relations, facilitating skills transfer, research collaboration and innovation across critical sectors.

According to the organisation, the diversity of awardees highlights how UK alumni are influencing areas ranging from healthcare delivery and legal reform to entrepreneurship and the creative economy.