• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

They were recognised at this year's Study UK Alumni Awards, which celebrate international alumni who are using their UK education to make significant contributions to their communities, industries and countries. Kola Alapinni (left) (Image: University of Essex) In Nigeria, human rights lawyer Kola Alapinni was honoured for his work challenging unconstitutional blasphemy laws and unjust death sentences, which has led to strengthened protections for vulnerable communities. Kola said: "Studying at Essex equipped me with the tools to confront injustice and defend fundamental freedoms." Nadia Nawaz Qadri (Image: University of Essex) In Pakistan, Nadia Nawaz Qadri, an engineer and academic, was recognised for her ground-breaking contributions to science and sustainability. A PhD graduate in electronic systems engineering, she is now associate dean at COMSATS University Islamabad and the first woman in Pakistan to hold patents in her field. Nadia said: "My time at Essex broadened my perspective and strengthened my confidence to pursue ambitious research goals." Her work in wearable technologies includes developing a wearable Wi‑Fi antenna for remote health monitoring and battlefield communication. The remaining two award recipients, both from France, were also celebrated for their impact. Priscilla Petit-Tshibemba (left) (Image: University of Essex) Priscilla Tshibemba‑Petit, an international legal counsel in Paris, received recognition for business and innovation. Priscilla said her dual English and French Law degree at Essex gave her "a unique international outlook", which continues to influence both her legal career and her work promoting financial education and empowerment. Sofie Qwarnstrom (left) (Image: University of Essex) Sofie Qwarnström, who completed an interdisciplinary PhD at Essex, was recognised in the category of creativity, sport and culture. Sofie said her Essex experience was "transformative". She added that it inspired her to merge research with artistic practice. She is the founder of Hoops of Iron, a theatre company producing multilingual works aimed at uniting diverse audiences. The Study UK Alumni Awards, hosted by the British Council, celebrate international alumni who are using their UK education to make significant contributions to their communities, industries and countries. Source: https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/25909338.university-essex-graduates-recognised-british-council/