The United Kingdom has awarded 85 Nigerians the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships for the 2025 academic year, giving them the opportunity to pursue master’s and PhD programmes at top universities across the UK.
This year’s awardees include 39 Chevening Scholars, one Chevening Fellow, and 45 Commonwealth Scholars.
Speaking at a pre-departure ceremony in Abuja for recipients from the FCT and neighbouring states, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Lever, congratulated the scholars for excelling in the highly competitive selection process.
“We are proud to see another batch of scholars depart for the UK, knowing they will return to strengthen Nigeria’s Chevening network,” Lever said. “They will act as ambassadors, sharing their understanding of systems, policies, and life in the UK while bringing back knowledge to create positive change in Nigeria and beyond.”
The Director of Programmes at the British Council Nigeria, Chikodi Onyemerela, also stressed the transformative impact of the awards.
“As you leave for the UK, you carry with you not just your personal ambitions but the aspirations of your communities,” Onyemerela said. “The knowledge, skills, and networks you acquire will serve as seeds of innovation, leadership, and progress for our nation.”
Some of the awardees expressed excitement about the opportunities ahead. Chevening Fellow, Tijjanni Mukaddas, heading to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, said the fellowship would enable him to craft impactful education policies.
“With over 18 million Nigerian children out of school, the fellowship offers me a chance to design solutions for their integration into education. Studying at Oxford is a dream come true,” he said.
For Commonwealth Scholar, Cynthia Okoli, who will study at the Royal Veterinary College and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the award is a chance to broaden her professional horizons.
“I look forward to building lasting friendships and collaborating across disciplines and cultures. These experiences will strengthen my capacity to work in diverse, multidisciplinary settings,” she noted.
Nigeria has one of the largest alumni communities of the scholarships, with over 4,500 individuals – including 3,000 Commonwealth and 1,500 Chevening alumni – contributing significantly to leadership, academia, public service, and private enterprise.
The UK government reiterated its commitment to expanding educational opportunities as a key pillar of strengthening ties with Nigeria.
UK Awards 85 Nigerians Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships for 2025 Studies
