UK Awards Scholarships to 68 Nigerians

ABUJA — The United Kingdom Government has awarded 68 Nigerians Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to pursue master’s and PhD programmes in various fields at universities across the UK.

The British High Commission disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying pre-departure ceremonies were held in Abuja and Lagos to honour the beneficiaries ahead of their studies.

According to the mission, 12 Nigerians received Chevening scholarships, while 56 have so far been awarded Commonwealth scholarships for the 2026 academic year.

Speaking at the pre-departure ceremony in Abuja, the Chargée d’Affaires of the British High Commission, Ms Vicky Seymour, congratulated the scholars on emerging from what she described as a highly competitive application and interview process.

Seymour said the scholars had bright futures and that their time in the UK represented an investment not only in them as individuals but also in Nigeria’s future.

“Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars have bright futures and we see their time in the UK not only as an investment in them as individuals, but also in the future of Nigeria,” she said.

She urged the beneficiaries to return to Nigeria after their studies and use the knowledge, experience and networks gained in the UK to contribute to national development.

“On your return to Nigeria, I know you will go on to do great things, just as your alumni have done before you,” Seymour said.

She expressed hope that the scholars would bring their experiences back home and use them to achieve remarkable things for the country.

Seymour also encouraged them to follow the example of previous Chevening and Commonwealth alumni by making meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s development.

One of the beneficiaries, Ms Sarah Nathaniel Yanayork, a Chevening scholar who will study International Human Rights Law at the University of Essex, described her selection as the culmination of a three-year journey marked by resilience, personal growth and commitment to social change.

Yanayork said the scholarship represented more than an academic opportunity, describing it as a platform to build global networks, engage in volunteerism and return to Nigeria prepared to promote good governance and inclusive development.

“This honour is not just a personal milestone; it is fuel for a lifelong dedication to human rights and community transformation,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mr Abubakar Umar, a Commonwealth scholar who will study Special Educational Needs at the University of Exeter, described the award as particularly significant to him as a person with hearing impairment.

Umar said his scholarship represented a journey toward an inclusive system and an opportunity to experience what he described as the UK standard of inclusion.

“From an inclusive application to an inclusive post-selection process.

“A journey of resilience and inclusivity has just begun,” he said.

The British High Commission said Nigeria had a large alumni network, with more than 5,237 Nigerians having benefited from the two scholarship programmes.

It added that applications for the 2027/2028 Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships were open, with prospective applicants directed to the respective official application platforms.

The Chevening programme is a UK Government international scholarship scheme supporting postgraduate study and leadership development, while Commonwealth scholarships support talented citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries to undertake postgraduate study in the UK.

The UK Government has also confirmed that applications for the 2027–2028 Chevening Scholarships are currently open, with the programme designed to support future leaders and decision-makers through postgraduate study in the UK.