Law graduate saving lives in Nigeria named Global Finalist for prestigious Study UK Alumni Award

An Essex Law graduate whose human rights work has helped save lives and challenge discriminatory laws in Nigeria has been named a Global Finalist in the Social Action category of the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards 2026.

Kola Alapinni, who graduated from the University of Essex with an LLM in International Human Rights Law, is one of just 28 global finalists worldwide selected across the awards' four categories. The prestigious awards celebrate international alumni of UK universities who are making an exceptional impact in their careers, communities and countries.

The global recognition follows Kola's success earlier in the competition, where he was named the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards Social Action winner for Nigeria. Having secured the national title, he has now advanced to the international stage, where finalists from across the world are competing for global recognition. 

Kola first qualified as a lawyer in Nigeria, where his early legal career exposed him to the realities of mob justice, religious persecution and blasphemy accusations in northern Nigeria. Determined to strengthen his ability to challenge these injustices, he chose to study at Essex's internationally renowned Human Rights Centre. 

He credits Essex's practical approach to international human rights advocacy with equipping him with the skills and confidence to defend freedom of religion or belief cases and tackle some of the most complex legal challenges in Nigeria.

Reflecting on his time at Essex, Kola has previously said his studies helped him return home "as a bridge between global standards and local realities", committed to pro bono work and fearless litigation. 

Since graduating, Kola has specialised in high-profile religious freedom cases, providing legal representation to people facing blasphemy charges and threats of violence.

Among his most significant cases is that of singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, who received a death sentence after being accused of blasphemy. Kola challenged the ruling and successfully secured an appeal, bringing international attention to flaws in the application of blasphemy laws. He also helped overturn the conviction of a 13-year-old boy who had been sentenced without legal representation.

Through his legal advocacy, Kola has helped protect individuals facing imprisonment, persecution and even death, while contributing to wider efforts to advance religious freedom and human rights protections in Nigeria. 

His work has earned international recognition, including the U.S. Secretary of State's International Religious Freedom Award, which he received in 2024 for his efforts to challenge blasphemy laws and defend freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria.

"I am proud to fly the Essex flag."

Speaking after being named a global finalist, Kola said: "Being named a global finalist for the British Council Alumni Awards is an incredible honour and a deeply humbling experience. This recognition is a testament to the world-class education and the spirit of excellence fostered at the University of Essex. My time at Essex didn't just provide me with academic knowledge; it gave me the global perspective and the confidence to drive meaningful change. I am proud to fly the Essex flag on this international stage."

Winners are expected to be announced at the end of August.