Dr Nighet Riaz

Dr Nighet Riaz is an education policy adviser, academic and children’s author whose work centres Muslim and minoritised young people in stories that are full of heart, courage and questions. Born in the UK to a Pakistani family and based in Scotland, she has spent years working in and around schools and universities to make education fairer, kinder and more honest about race, faith and power.

Nighet works at the University of Glasgow in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, helping to shape policies that support all learners to feel seen and safe. She is also a published researcher, writing about ethnic minority student experiences, antiracism and global citizenship in Scottish education. Her background in youth work, curriculum development and academic teaching means she knows classrooms from the inside, not just on paper.

Custodians of the Stone Circle, her fantasy series for 9–13-year-olds, grew out of hearing Muslim and minoritised young people ask that question. Set in Scotland and travelling through “in-between” worlds, the books follow five children as they discover a hidden map, meet djinn, and grapple with what it means to be trusted with power. The stories weave together everyday Muslim family life, humour and adventure with deeper themes of amanah (trust), justice and who gets to be at the centre of the story.

For schools and libraries, Nighet’s work offers a way into big questions about identity, faith, racism and responsibility that is age-appropriate and hopeful, without shying away from complexity. Teachers and parents use her books to open conversations about representation and global citizenship, while young readers simply meet characters who feel like their cousins, classmates and friends.

When she isn’t writing or working on education policy, Nighet enjoys walking, reading, experimenting with hair colour, and planning journeys that combine travel, reflection and faith.