Cynthia Umezulike, an exceptional Nigerian human rights lawyer, has recently achieved an extraordinary academic milestone by earning two master’s degrees and a PhD in Law from prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. This remarkable accomplishment underscores her dedication to the legal profession and her commitment to human rights advocacy.
Cynthia’s academic journey began in Nigeria, where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from Igbinedion University. She then proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, where she was inducted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Her pursuit of excellence continued in the UK, where she earned a Master of Laws (LL.M) in International Law and Criminal Justice from the University of East London and another LL.M from Queen Mary University of London.
Her academic achievements culminated in a PhD in Law from Birkbeck University of London. Cynthia’s doctoral research, focused on International Human Rights Law, earned her the Gilchrist Trust special notation for outstanding PhD research across Birkbeck University.
Cynthia has extensive expertise in international human rights instruments, norms, and principles. She is the President and Chief Consultant at the Global Human Rights Centre, where she leads research and advocacy on human rights and climate change. Her work includes advisory consultation to international organizations, NGOs, businesses, and governments on human rights due diligence and rights-based research.
During her PhD, Cynthia served as the Global Head of Legal and Governance and a lecturer in law at Birkbeck University. Despite her professional commitments, she credits her father for his unwavering support, both financial and emotional, throughout her academic endeavors.
In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Cynthia is a prolific activist. She campaigns for climate sustainability, climate justice, and against fast fashion production, which often leads to environmental degradation and human rights abuses. Her advocacy efforts include organizing peaceful protests and speaking at international forums to raise awareness about human rights violations and environmental issues.
Cynthia’s contributions extend beyond academia and activism. She co-chairs the Hon. Justice Innocent Umezulike Foundation, where she oversees programs aimed at addressing environmental and climate change issues and empowering indigent people in rural regions. She also serves as an academic integrity officer and editor of the Lord Denning Law Journal at the University of Buckingham, where she teaches and develops new programs focused on human rights and sustainability.
Reflecting on her journey, Cynthia expressed gratitude to her friends, colleagues, and especially her father, for their support. She remains committed to advancing human rights and is excited about the future possibilities in her field.
In addition to her illustrious career in law and human rights advocacy, Cynthia Umezulike has also made significant strides in the world of fashion as a model and fashion muse. Introduced to the industry at the age of 15 by fashion agent James St James, Cynthia has since collaborated with notable brands and been featured in renowned magazines such as Vogue Italia, British Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Pride. Her work in fashion is characterized by a socially conscious approach, often aligning with her activism. She has been involved in campaigns addressing mental health, environmental sustainability, and human rights. Cynthia’s modeling career has taken her to fashion hubs like Milan, Paris, London, and New York, where she has embraced opportunities to merge her passion for fashion with her commitment to advocacy. Her experiences in the fashion industry have not only broadened her professional portfolio but also provided her with a platform to promote important social issues, making her a multifaceted and influential figure.
Cynthia Umezulike’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of justice. Her achievements not only make her a distinguished figure in the legal community but also a role model for aspiring lawyers and activists worldwide.
In a remarkable achievement, 17-year-old Kelli Higgins has emerged as the valedictorian of Jackson High School, boasting a perfect 4.00 GPA. Her academic excellence and dedication earned her acceptance letters from four prestigious Ivy League universities in the United States: Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Kelli’s journey to academic success began early, culminating in her recent recognition as the best-graduating student of Jackson High School. Her dedication and hard work were rewarded when she received her first acceptance letter from Harvard University in December. This was followed by further good news on National Ivy Day, when she learned that she had also been accepted into Yale, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania.
The Ivy League, comprising eight private universities known for their rigorous academic standards and selective admissions, is a dream for many students. For Kelli, the path to choosing her future alma mater involved careful consideration of various factors. “It was quite the process of trying to figure out what exactly I wanted to look for in my college education,” she said.
Kelli paid special attention to the dorm-living situations and the culture of each school’s surrounding area. Her decision-making process was influenced by her previous experiences with these institutions. She attended summer learning programs at both Harvard and Yale and took online courses at Columbia. These experiences gave her a unique insight into the academic and social environments of each university. Read more about Kelli here.