Staffordshire University law alumni Zulkifl Ahmed was awarded an MBE for services to Education and to Young People in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours at the end of 2021.
Zulkifl completed his undergraduate studies at Staffordshire University, receiving an LLB Law honours degree, in 2010.
He then went on to be called to the bar as a barrister in 2012 at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn and went on to have a successful career in the legal field within private practice before going onto work for local authorities including Birmingham, Sandwell, Worcestershire and Enfield.
Zulkifl has dedicated his life advocating for the most vulnerable in society. Ha has excelled most in supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Zulkifl has worked for a national law firm where he represented children and young people with SEND to ensure that they received appropriate support, could achieve their aspirations and break down barriers to inclusion.
Zulkifl then decided that he wanted to directly influence national strategic decision making so he could not only support the most vulnerable people on an individual basis but influence national policy. For this reason he decided to take up strategic leadership positions within local government and this meant that he was able to go on and support thousands of children and young people with SEND.
The Award of Honorary Doctor of Laws is bestowed upon Zulkifl in recognition of his enduring dedication, tireless work and commitment to ensure that children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities can be their best selves, achieve their aspiration and to ensure that they have a voice.
The award also acknowledges his contribution to society. Through inspirational leadership and determination, Zulkifl has created a culture change at both a local and national level and influenced policy change which has drastically improved the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society.
By building on the experience of a law degree from Staffordshire University and being called to the bar as a barrister he employed specialist legal and advocacy skills to ensure children with SEND are heard and put at the centre of planning. It is safe to say that the work he has done has significantly contributed to breaking down the barriers to inclusion in society and led to prejudices that people may hold against people with SEND being challenged.