UK GRANTS CHEVENING AND COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS TO 85 NIGERIANS FOR 2025
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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA
Eighty-five Nigerians have been conferred with the esteemed Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships by the Government of the United Kingdom to undertake various master’s and PhD programs in the United Kingdom in 2025.
In accordance with a statement from the British High Commission issued on Thursday, this year’s awardees include 39 Chevening scholars and one Chevening fellow, in addition to 45 Commonwealth scholars selected thus far.
A pre-departure ceremony took place in Abuja on Wednesday to recognize scholars from the capital and neighboring regions, with a comparable event planned for September in Lagos.
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During the Abuja reception, Gill Lever, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, expressed her congratulations to the recipients for their achievements in what she characterized as a highly competitive selection process. “We take pride in witnessing another group of scholars departing in the coming weeks for the UK, confident that they will return and contribute to a very robust Chevening network in Nigeria.
“They will come back with a lasting positive outlook towards the UK, serving as ambassadors by sharing their insights on systems, policies, and life in the UK—and subsequently bringing those experiences back to Nigeria to effectuate significant contributions while fostering positive change within this country and globally,” Lever remarked.
Chikodi Onyemerela, the Director of Programmes at the British Council Nigeria, urged the scholars to fully leverage the opportunity. “As you embark on your journey to the United Kingdom for advanced studies, you carry not only your personal ambitions but also the aspirations of your communities and the potential for contributing to Nigeria’s future.
“We are assured that the knowledge, skills, and networks you will gain in the UK will blossom into seeds of innovation, leadership, and advancement for our nation, especially at this crucial stage of its development,” Onyemerela added.
Among the newly awarded is Tijjanni Mukaddas, the 2025 Chevening Fellow, who will pursue studies at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. “I feel genuinely humbled and thankful that, with over 18 million Nigerian children deprived of education, the Chevening Fellowship empowers me to devise impactful policies that will facilitate their integration into the educational system. It’s a dream realized; I am honored to commence this journey at Oxford University,” he stated as quoted in the announcement.
Commonwealth Scholar Cynthia Okoli, who is poised to study at the Royal Veterinary College and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, also conveyed her enthusiasm. “I am eager to enhance my interpersonal and professional skills, as well as to forge enduring friendships and networks that span disciplines and cultures through events organized by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and interactions with peers and faculty from both institutions.
“These experiences will expand my outlook and fortify my capacity to operate effectively in multidisciplinary environments,” Okoli remarked. Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships are granted to individuals who demonstrate academic distinction, leadership potential, and a dedication to contributing to the advancement of their home country.
Nigeria boasts one of the most extensive alumni networks globally for both programs, comprising over 4,500 graduates—3,000 from the Commonwealth and 1,500 from Chevening—many of whom occupy significant roles in government, academia, and the private sector, as reported by the British High Commission.
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