The British Government has recently granted 127 Nigerians the esteemed Chevening and Commonwealth UK scholarships to pursue a diverse array of master’s and Ph.D. programs in 2023.
At a pre-departure reception held in Abuja, British High Commissioner Dr. Richard Montgomery CMG extended his heartfelt congratulations to the successful scholarship recipients.
Dr. Montgomery acknowledged the challenges of the application and interview process and highlighted the beneficiaries’ tenacity and determination.
He remarked, “Seeing you all here is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and resilience through a highly competitive process. I encourage each of you to strive for excellence in your studies, to be exemplary representatives of Nigeria in the UK, and to seize every opportunity during your scholarship journey.
“By expanding your knowledge, fostering cultural exchange, and building confident networks, you’ll return to Nigeria with valuable experiences, poised to make significant contributions to your country and the world.”
Among the recipients is Commonwealth Scholar Michael Oyedoyin, who is embarking on a master’s program in Family and Child Psychology at the University of Chester, UK.
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Oyedoyin expressed his passion for education and shared his motivation for selecting this course of study, stating, “I’ve always had a love for teaching, and my first degree is in Teacher Education.
“However, while teaching in schools, I observed that family issues often underlie students’ academic challenges and absenteeism. Therefore, I chose this master’s to equip myself with the skills to support my students beyond the classroom.”
Also, a Chevening Scholar, Odera Akpata, who will study International Business at the University of Warwick, UK, said: “Reflecting on my last two applications, I’m assured that great things happen to those who never give up”.
Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate intellectual ability, leadership potential and a commitment to the development of their home country.
The Chevening Scholarship, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, offered 44 Nigerian students fully-funded scholarships to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK.
The recipients were selected from a pool of over 14,000 applications in Nigeria and more than 62,000 applications across the globe.
This year, the Commonwealth Scholarship sent off 83 scholars to study in the UK.
Every year, over 100 Nigerian students benefit from the scholarship for postgraduate and PhD degrees.