UK-Educated Alumni Drive Nigeria’s Tech, Culture, and Healthcare Innovation — British Council

Nigerians educated in the United Kingdom are making a lasting impact across technology, culture, healthcare, and social development, the British Council highlighted during its Study UK Alumni Awards in Lagos. The event brought together government officials, academics, business leaders, and creatives who have leveraged their UK education to drive innovation and progress in Nigeria.

The awards recognise alumni who have applied their international education to transform sectors including business, public service, science, and the creative economy. Donna McGowan, country director of the British Council in Nigeria, noted that the programme has received over 1,800 applications from alumni representing more than 120 countries and 110 UK universities, underscoring its global reach and prestige.

Among the winners was human rights lawyer Kola Alapinni, awarded for his work defending freedom of religion and belief, including high-profile blasphemy cases and pro bono legal appeals. In culture and creativity, digital influencer Yemisi Sophie Odusanya, popularly known as Sisi Yemmie, was celebrated for promoting Nigerian cuisine and lifestyle storytelling, expanding global interest in local culture.

In technology and healthcare, Dimeji Sofowora, co-founder of Helium Health, received the Business and Innovation Award for pioneering digital tools that digitise patient records and support thousands of healthcare workers across Africa. Abdulazeez Ahmed, a professor at Bayero University Kano, was honoured for advancing audiology services and training specialists in underserved communities, marking significant strides in Nigeria’s science and sustainability sector.

The British Council emphasised that the diversity of the winners reflects the transformative power of international education in fostering innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. The ceremony concluded with calls for deeper UK-Nigeria collaboration to support the next generation of students and innovators, highlighting alumni networks as critical platforms for knowledge exchange and leadership development.

source: Business day