85 Nigerians receive UK Chevening, Commonwealth scholarships

*The British Government awards 85 Nigerians the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to study in the UK for Master’s degrees and Ph.D programmes in 2025

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The United Kingdom (UK) Government has awarded the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to 85 Nigerians, to study for Master’s degrees and Ph.D programmes in 2025, in the UK.

The British High Commission (BHC), in Nigeria, which disclosed this development Thursday, August 28, in Abuja, FCT, said 39 scholars and 1 fellow received the Chevening scholarships, while 45 scholars had been awarded the Commonwealth scholarship thus far in this year.

The UK Mission said that a pre-departure ceremony held Wednesday, August 27, in Abuja, for scholars based in the FCT and environs, while a similar ceremony would hold September, in Lagos, for scholars in Lagos State and nearby cities.

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The BHC also noted that at the Abuja pre-departure reception, Mrs. Gill Lever, British Deputy High Commissioner, congratulated beneficiaries who succeeded in securing a scholarship through the highly competitive application and interview process.

Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer at Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and BHC, in the statement Thursday stated Mrs. Lever said: “We are proud to see another batch of scholars depart over the next few weeks for the UK knowing that they will come back and add to a very strong Chevening network in Nigeria.

“They will return with a lasting positive disposition towards the UK, acting as ambassadors by sharing their understanding of systems, policies, and life in the UK– and then bringing those experiences back to Nigeria and doing great things while creating a positive change in this country and the world.”

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Also speaking at the Reception, Chikodi Onyemerela, Director Programmes at British Council Nigeria, said: “As you leave for the United Kingdom for further studies, you carry with you not only your personal aspirations but also the hopes of your communities and the promise of contributing to Nigeria’s future.

“We are confident that the knowledge, skills, and networks you will acquire in the UK will return as seeds of innovation, leadership, and progress for our nation, particularly, at this phase of its development.”

In his remarks on the award, Tijjanni Mukaddas, a Chevening fellow, who will study at the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies, said: “I feel truly humbled and grateful that with over 18 million Nigerian children denied education, the Chevening Fellowship enables me to craft impactful policies that will integrate them into education.

“It’s a dream come true; I’m honoured to embark on this journey at Oxford University.”

Cynthia Okoli, a Commonwealth scholar, who will study at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), also said: “I look forward to developing my interpersonal and professional skills, as well as building lasting friendships and networks that cut across disciplines and cultures through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) events and interactions with classmates and faculties from both schools.

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“These experiences will broaden my perspective and strengthen my ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary settings.”

About Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships

The BHC says Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate intellectual ability, leadership potential and a commitment to development of their home country.

According to the UK Mission, Nigeria has a huge alumni base with over 4500 (3000 Commonwealth and 1500 Chevening) alumni across both scholarships with very prestigious people impacting and contributing to development of the West African country.