What Nigeria needs to attain full potential, by British Council

Country Director, British Council Nigeria, Lucy Pearson; Finalist, Business and Innovation, Oluwadamilola Teidi; British Deputy High Commissioner, Lagos, Ben Llewellyn-Jones; Finalist, Culture and Creativity, Ashley Stewart; Finalist, Culture and Creativity, Laura Etamah; and Finalist, Social Action, Israel Balogun, at the British Council UK Alumni Awards held at the weekend in Lagos.. Photo: ENIOLA DANIEL.

Winners of British Council UK alumni awards announced in Nigeria

The British Council has called on the international community, industry players and individuals to collaborate with the Nigerian government for the country to achieve its full potential and take its place in the comity of nations.

Country Director, British Council in Nigeria, Lucy Pearson, made the call during the 8th British Council Study United Kingdom alumni awards, held in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Pearson told The Guardian: “The British Council has been in Nigeria for 78 years and has connected millions of people, changed their lives and contributed to peace, security, economics, art and other aspects. It remains committed to touching more lives in the country.”

According to her, Nigeria needs collaborative efforts to achieve its full potential; collaboration between the Nigerian government and international partners and private individuals.

“Not one person or institution has the solution, but bringing together the talents, experience and understanding, to drive a prosperous future for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“I have been here for a while and I do not fail to be amazed by the huge talent, entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, energy in Nigeria; so, it’s about how we can leverage that, harness it and make a huge difference because Nigeria is a fantastic place with fantastic people and it deserves to have its place in the world,” she added.

Pearson said the awardees have taken their UK education as a starting point to excel in their chosen careers and shape the world around them. “This year’s awards is testimony not only to the diversity of UK alumni and their endeavours, but also to the transformative impact of a UK education.”

Twelve UK alumni in four categories, including Science and Sustainability, Culture and Creativity, Social Action and Business, and Innovation Award were recognised for their outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and for their contribution to strengthening ties between the UK and Nigeria.

Now in its eighth year, the award received more than 1,500 applications from international UK alumni in more than 100 countries, representing more than 140 UK higher education institutions across the UK.

Science and Sustainability Award was presented to a graduate of the University of Leeds, Sikiru Mohammed for his efforts in promoting engineering ethics in Nigeria and investing his time in STEM in high school education.

Gift Chidera Peters, a graduate of the University of Portsmouth was recognized with Culture and Creativity award for her supports for international students in the UK with the right information through her online platform, CP Community.

The Social Action award was presented to a graduate of the University of Cambridge, Mariam Momodu, who has helped Africans access over $2.5 million in scholarships, through her GetIn Education Consulting (GetIn).

The Business and Innovation award was presented to Oluwafemi Adeola Adedipe, a graduate of the University of Southampton. Oluwafemi, a Founder of StreetCred and Pistis Finserve has provided more than N1 billion in loans to more than 10,000 women traders, artisans, and street vendors across Nigeria.