85 Nigerians Awarded UK Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships

• The United Kingdom Government has awarded 85 Nigerians prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to pursue master’s and doctoral programs in the UK this year. Among the recipients are 39 Chevening scholars and one fellow, alongside 45 Commonwealth scholars.

A pre-departure ceremony was held in Abuja for beneficiaries from the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states, while a similar event will take place in Lagos in September. At the ceremony, British Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Gill Lever congratulated the scholars, describing them as outstanding individuals who excelled in a rigorous selection process.

The Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships aim to support individuals with academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s development. These scholars will acquire knowledge, skills, and networks that will enable them to drive positive change in their communities and the country at large.

• Some of the scholars expressed their excitement about the opportunity. Chevening Fellow, said the fellowship will enable him to craft impactful education policies at the Oxford Centre for
• Islamic

• Studies

• a Commonwealth Scholar, looks forward to building lasting networks across disciplines and cultures at the Royal Veterinary College and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Nigeria remains one of the largest beneficiaries of the scholarships, with over 4,500 alumni, including 3,000 from the Commonwealth scheme and 1,500 from Chevening. Many of these alumni hold key positions in government, academia, and the private sector, contributing significantly to the country’s development

The Director of Programmes at the British Council Nigeria, Chikodi Onyemerela, urged the awardees to use their studies to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development. He emphasized that the knowledge and skills acquired will return as seeds of innovation, leadership, and progress for the nation