The UK Government has awarded eighty-five Nigerians the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships to study a variety of master’s degrees and PhD programmes in the UK in 2025.
This year, thirty-nine scholars and one fellow received the Chevening Scholarships, while forty-five scholars were awarded the Commonwealth Scholarships.
A pre-departure ceremony was held in Abuja for scholars based in the capital and surrounding areas, with a similar ceremony planned for Lagos in September for scholars from that region.
At the Abuja pre-departure reception, British Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Gill Lever congratulated the beneficiaries who successfully secured a scholarship through a highly competitive application and interview process.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Gill Lever said, “We are proud to see another batch of scholars departing for the UK in the coming weeks, knowing they will return and contribute to a strong Chevening network in Nigeria.
They will come back with a positive view of the UK, acting as ambassadors by sharing their understanding of systems, policies, and life in the UK, and bringing those experiences back to Nigeria to effect positive change in the country and the world.
Director of Programmes at the British Council Nigeria, Chikodi Onyemerela also spoke at the reception: “As you leave for the United Kingdom for further studies, you carry 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 acquire in the UK will yield seeds of innovation, leadership, and progress for our nation, particularly during this crucial phase of development.”
Chevening fellow Tijjanni Mukaddas, who will study at the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies, expressed his gratitude: “I feel truly humbled and grateful. With over eighteen million Nigerian children denied education, the Chevening Fellowship enables me to craft impactful policies that will help integrate them into the education system. It is a dream come true, and I’m honoured to embark on this journey at Oxford University.”
Commonwealth scholar Cynthia Okoli, who will study at the Royal Veterinary College and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, shared her enthusiasm: “I look forward to developing my interpersonal and professional skills, alongside building lasting friendships and networks through Commonwealth Scholarship Commission events and interactions with classmates and faculty from both schools.
These experiences will broaden my perspective and enhance my ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary settings.
Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to the development of their home country.
Nigeria boasts a substantial alumni network, with over four thousand five hundred alumni, three thousand from the Commonwealth and one thousand five hundred from Chevening—making significant contributions to the country’s development.
Reporting by Taoreed Abdullahi