85 Nigerians Awarded UK Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships for Postgraduate Study

Eighty-five Nigerians have been awarded the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships by the United Kingdom Government to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in the UK this academic year.

According to the British High Commission, the recipients include 39 Chevening Scholars, 1 Chevening Fellow, and 45 Commonwealth Scholars. A pre-departure ceremony for the awardees from the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states was held on Wednesday in Abuja, with a similar event planned for Lagos in September.

British Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Gill Lever, praised the awardees as exceptional individuals who had succeeded in a highly competitive selection process.

“We are proud to see another batch of scholars depart over the next few weeks for the UK, knowing they will come back and add to a very strong Chevening network in Nigeria,” she said.
“They will act as ambassadors by sharing their understanding of systems, policies, and life in the UK—bringing those experiences back to Nigeria and driving positive change.”

Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programmes at the British Council Nigeria, encouraged the scholars to use the opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s progress.

“You carry with you not only your personal aspirations but also the hopes of your communities,” he said.
“The knowledge, skills, and networks you acquire will return as seeds of innovation, leadership, and progress for our nation.”

Some of the new scholars shared their aspirations. Tijjanni Mukaddas, a Chevening Fellow heading to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, said the programme would empower him to shape impactful education policies. Cynthia Okoli, a Commonwealth Scholar bound for the Royal Veterinary College and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, expressed eagerness to build cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural networks.

The UK government noted that Nigeria remains one of the largest beneficiaries of both scholarship programmes, with over 4,500 alumni—including 3,000 from the Commonwealth scheme and 1,500 from Chevening—many of whom now serve in critical roles supporting Nigeria’s development.