The United Kingdom has awarded 85 Nigerians the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to pursue master’s and PhD programmes in 2025.
According to the British High Commission, 39 scholars and a fellow received the Chevening awards, while 45 beneficiaries were selected under the Commonwealth scheme.
A pre-departure ceremony was held in Abuja for recipients in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states, with a similar event scheduled for September in Lagos.
Speaking at the Abuja reception, British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever congratulated the scholars for emerging successful from a highly competitive selection process.
“We are proud to see another batch of scholars depart over the next few weeks for the UK knowing that they will return to strengthen Nigeria’s Chevening network,” she said.
Director of Programmes at the British Council Nigeria, Chikodi Onyemerela, urged the awardees to see their studies as opportunities to contribute to national development.
“As you leave for further studies, you carry not only your aspirations but also the hopes of your communities and the promise of contributing to Nigeria’s future,” he said.
One of the awardees, Chevening fellow Tijjani Mukaddas, who is heading to the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies, said the fellowship would enable him to develop policies to integrate millions of Nigerian children out of school into education.
Similarly, Commonwealth scholar Cynthia Okoli, who will study at the Royal Veterinary College and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said she looked forward to building global networks that would enhance her professional capacity.
