The British High Commission has welcomed 99 Nigerian graduates who have successfully completed their studies in the United Kingdom through the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programmes.
The scholars undertook a broad range of master’s degrees, PhD programmes, and fellowship courses at leading UK institutions, showcasing academic excellence and leadership potential while strengthening the enduring educational and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Chevening scholars who have completed their studies are 30 in total, while the Commonwealth scholars and fellows are 69.
Speaking at the reception, the British Deputy High Commissioner, to Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Lever (OBE) urged the scholars to to aim for excellence in their future endeavours as UK Ambassadors to Nigeria.
“We take great pride in welcoming back our Commonwealth and Chevening Scholars. Congratulations to each and every one of them for successfully completing their studies, many with distinctions. I’m so happy that talented Nigerians have had the opportunity to study in the UK, returning with additional knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in their home country. I encourage them to aim for excellence in their future endeavours. I know they will be great ambassadors for the UK in Nigeria and make the most of the networking and knowledge sharing that being a Commonwealth or Chevening scholar presents. Keep in touch everyone,” she urged.
Also speaking the Director of Programmes, British Council Nigeria, Mr. Chikodi Onyemerela, while congratulating the scholars for successfully completing their master’s and PhD programmes in the UK, urged them to apply the knowledge, skills and network acquired in the UK to address challenges facing Nigeria in various sectors while maintaining ties with their UK institutions.
Chevening Scholar, Nankur Pontip Ramdur who studied Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security at Coventry University, UK reiterated his commitment to contributing to the development of a safe Nigeria.
“I understand that peace and security are at the heart of every nation’s development and success; hence, I look forward to contributing to a safer Nigeria. I plan to continue outreach to schools and communities with my team, teaching responses and safe practices regarding sexual and gender-based violence. I am also currently writing a book to broaden the impact of this initiative in Nigeria and subsequently across the globe. I have so much more to meaningfully contribute to my country, and I am glad Chevening has propelled me towards achieving my dreams,” he said
Commonwealth Scholar, Chimdi Ekwueme who studied Health Policy, Planning and Finance at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK noted that : “Studying in the UK has deepened my Nigerian perspective by allowing me to situate my local experience within wider international conversations and gaining practical insights I can apply at home“, he noted
The Scholars and Fellows shared their academic journeys and experiences, and their preparedness to use the skills and knowledge developed during their studies to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
Scholars who were celebrated for their exceptional academic achievements, received their completion certificates, and were officially inducted into the Chevening and Commonwealth alumni community in Nigeria.
Chevening Scholarships are the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), partner organisations, and partner universities. The scholarships support study at UK universities for one-year taught master’s degrees – for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers.