By Biodun Busari
A United Kingdom-based Nigerian, Emma Etim, has been named as a 2026 U21 Leader of the Future, which was announced at the University of Glasgow, Scotland.
Etim received international recognition for his research excellence, leadership and commitment to widening participation in higher education.
The award was announced at the Universitas 21 Annual Network Meeting and Leadership Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, on April 21 as seen by Diaspora Tales.
Etim, a doctoral researcher and a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant in the School of Geography, at the University of Nottingham, UK, was awarded for his exceptional contributions as an emerging scholar.
His research is exploring how environmental responsibility is shaped across cultural, institutional, and behavioural systems, which is influencing global conversations on sustainability and policy.
Etim’s research, funded by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Nigeria, examines how environmental responsibility is constructed across cultural, institutional and behavioural contexts.
Reacting to the award, the scholar said, “This recognition affirms my belief that research and academic work are most meaningful when they enable others to imagine new possibilities and contribute to meaningful change.”
