In a significant achievement for Nigerian academia, the British Government has awarded 82 Nigerians with prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to pursue advanced studies in the United Kingdom in 2024. The scholarships will support these scholars in studying a wide range of master’s degrees and PhD programmes.This year, 32 scholars received Chevening scholarships, while 50 were awarded the Commonwealth scholarship. To celebrate the scholars' accomplishments, a pre-departure ceremony was held in Abuja for those based in the city and its surroundings. Another ceremony is scheduled for next week in Lagos, where the Deputy Head of Mission, Abby Bernard, will host scholars from Lagos and neighboring cities.During the Abuja reception, Mrs. Gill Lever, the British Deputy High Commissioner, congratulated the scholarship recipients for successfully navigating the highly competitive selection process. She expressed her pride in the scholars and emphasized the UK's commitment to supporting the educational development of Nigerians.In her speech, Mrs. Lever encouraged the scholars to strive for excellence in their studies and act as ambassadors for Nigeria in the UK. She highlighted the importance of cultural exchange, confident networking, and making the most of the opportunities presented during their time abroad. She concluded by challenging the scholars to bring their experiences back to Nigeria and create positive change in their home country and around the world.Similarly, Idowu Akintade, Director of Operations at the British Council Nigeria, underscored the importance of the scholarships in helping recipients acquire skills and knowledge that align with Nigeria's development priorities. He encouraged the scholars to build strong networks and continue to represent the prestigious Commonwealth and Chevening Scholarships with pride.
