82 Nigerians Awarded UK Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships for 2024 

The British Government has awarded 82 Nigerian students the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships for the 2024 academic year. This will allow the recipients to pursue master’s and PhD programs in the United Kingdom. 

Breakdown of Scholarships 

A total of 32 Nigerians received the Chevening scholarship, while 50 were awarded the Commonwealth scholarship. These scholarships are highly competitive, and recipients will study a wide range of subjects during their time in the UK. The selection process is known to be rigorous, and successful candidates attended a pre-departure event in Abuja on Thursday. Scholars from Abuja and surrounding areas were present, with another ceremony planned for Lagos. The Deputy Head of Mission, Abby Bernard, will host the Lagos event next week. 

British Officials Urge Scholars to Excel 

At the Abuja ceremony, British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever congratulated the scholars and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigerian education. She encouraged the recipients to excel in their studies and use their experiences abroad to benefit Nigeria upon their return. We are dedicated to supporting Nigeria’s educational development and ensuring that the selection process is fair and open to all,” she said. Idowu Akintade, the Director of Operations at the British Council Nigeria, encouraged scholars to build strong networks while in the UK. He also stressed the importance of using their skills to contribute to Nigeria’s development goals. The knowledge you gain through these scholarships should help you make a positive impact on Nigeria’s growth,” Akintade noted. 

These scholarships are a testament to the UK’s commitment to supporting the educational development of Nigerians. We encourage the scholars to excel in their studies and return home to make a positive impact on Nigeria’s growth and development.” — British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever 

Nigeria’s Growing Alumni Community 

Nigeria already has a large alumni network of over 4,500 individuals who have benefited from these scholarships, including 3,000 Commonwealth alumni and 1,500 Chevening alumni. These individuals continue to contribute to Nigeria’s development in various fields. Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate strong intellectual ability, leadership skills, and a commitment to the growth and development of their home country. 

In conclusion, the awarding of 82 Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to Nigerian students underscores the UK’s dedication to fostering education and development in Nigeria. As these scholars embark on their studies in the UK, they carry the responsibility of not only excelling academically but also using their acquired knowledge and networks to drive positive change upon their return. Their success will not only benefit their personal growth but also contribute to Nigeria’s progress in critical areas of development.