British High Commission celebrates 191 Nigerian scholars
The British High Commission in Nigeria has welcomed 191 Nigerian scholars who completed their studies in the United Kingdom through the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships.
The commission hosted welcome ceremonies in Abuja and Lagos on February 19 and 20 to celebrate the return of the Nigerians to celebrate the honoured 44 Chevening scholars and 147 Commonwealth scholars who pursued various master’s, PhD, and fellowship programmes in the UK.
A statement from the British High Commission on Friday read, “In Abuja and Lagos, the British High Commission held Welcome Home Ceremonies to celebrate 191 (44 Chevening and 147 Commonwealth) Nigerians scholars who have just completed their studies in the United Kingdom through the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships pursuing a wide range of master’s degree, PhD, and fellowship programmes,”
The Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships, awarded annually by the UK Government, recognise individuals who have demonstrated the commitment and skills necessary to drive positive change in their communities and sectors.
During the ceremonies, the scholars received their completion certificates and were formally inducted into the prestigious alumni networks of the two scholarship programmes in Nigeria, according to the statement.
At the ceremony in Lagos, British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, commended the scholars for their hard work and dedication.
According to the statement, Baxter urged them to use their new knowledge, skills, and experiences to benefit their communities and the country as a whole.
He encouraged them to collaborate, challenge themselves, and continue striving for excellence.
“We are incredibly proud of the 191 Nigerian Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars who have successfully completed their studies in the UK. This milestone represents not only your hard work and dedication but also the impact of these Scholarship Programmes.
“I encourage you to use your new knowledge, skills and experience for the betterment of your communities, your sectors and your country. Challenge yourselves, collaborate with each other, and always strive for the best. We look forward to seeing your contributions to Nigeria and globally,” Baxter was quoted saying.
One of the Chevening scholars, Daniel Onwe, who studied International Law and Development at the University of Nottingham, spoke about the transformative nature of his experience, particularly as a disability rights activist.
He highlighted how the programme exposed him to inclusive practices and broadened his understanding of global politics.
Onwe explained, “Chevening experience is simply life-transforming. As a person with disability and a disability rights activist, Chevening exposed me to have a first-hand experience of what an inclusive society should be – you equally participate and engage, without being made to feel like the odd man out.
“In addition, to what I learnt from the classroom, the people taught me so much, not just about the rich British culture, but also about the different countries of the world and global politics. Chevening, undoubtedly, is a game changer.”
The statement added that another Commonwealth scholar, who studied International Energy Law and Policy at the University of Dundee, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of international energy issues and make lifelong connections with peers from around the world.
The Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship programs have a long-standing tradition of supporting talented individuals.
Established in 1983, Chevening has funded over 10,000 scholars globally, while the Commonwealth Scholarship programme, which began in 1960, has helped more than 31,000 individuals advance their education in the UK. Nigerian alumni from both programmes, now numbering over 4,500, continue to play key roles in the development of the country.
