This was contained in a statement made available to our correspondent by the Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer of the British High Commission in Abuja, Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, on Friday.
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 celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, has over the past 40 years granted 1500 Nigerians scholarships to study in the UK.
This year, the Chevening Scholarship welcomes 44 scholars.
Commonwealth Scholarship welcomes 134 scholars. Every year, over 100 Nigerian students benefit from the scholarship for postgraduate, PhD degree and fellowship programmes.
The Commonwealth scheme has impacted over 3000 alumni in Nigeria since its inception, according to the statement.
In Lagos, Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter hosted the newly returned 2022/2023 Nigerian scholars and fellows after the successful completion of their programmes.
The Baxter who spoke at the reception congratulated the scholars and fellows, urging them to uphold the values of Nigeria and the UK.
He said, “We take pride in welcoming back our Commonwealth and Chevening Scholars. Congratulations to each of you for successfully completing your studies, many with distinctions.
“I am pleased that you have had the opportunity to study in the UK and have now returned with additional knowledge and skills to positively impact Nigeria. Aim for excellence and continue to uphold the values of both the UK and Nigeria through your remarkable achievements”.
The statement noted that during the students’ programmes, “they had opportunities to develop their skills and build networks, that will enable them to create positive lasting change in Nigeria and beyond.”
Commonwealth Fellow who studied at the Lifegate Outreach Centre UK, Ebere Iwuagwu, stated that she discovered the paucity of access to energy and its impact in most communities
“I am an environmental advocate and love doing community advocacy. In the course of work, I discovered the paucity in access to energy and its impact on most communities, particularly women and youths.
“The Commonwealth Fellowship afforded me the opportunity to learn about so many renewable options derived from natural resources such as solar and vegetable that can be adopted in these communities with less impact on the environment and human health,” Iwuagwu said.
In the same vein, a Chevening Scholar who studied Cybersecurity at Cardiff University, UK, Jonathan Ayodele stated “The Chevening scholarship not only provided me with world-class education but also invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders, access to several opportunities in the UK tech sector, and a greatly expanded professional network which will serve as robust foundation for my transformative goals.
“I have plans to build a tech hub in Ikorodu Lagos, with a vision for Ikorodu to lead in technological innovation. My aim is to foster local talent, enhance livelihoods, and inspire the next wave of Technology leaders.
“The proposed hub will catalyse economic empowerment by providing a platform for youth skills development, entrepreneurship, bridging the divide between local talent and international opportunities.”
