Daud Olatunji
Sixty-eight Nigerians have been awarded the 2026 Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships by the United Kingdom Government to pursue master’s and doctoral programmes in various fields in the UK.
The British High Commission disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that pre-departure ceremonies were held for the successful scholars in Abuja and Lagos.
Of the 68 beneficiaries, 12 were selected for the prestigious Chevening scholarships, while 56 received Commonwealth scholarships.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the British High Commission in Abuja, Vicky Seymour, congratulated the scholars, describing their selection as an achievement made possible through a highly competitive application and interview process.
Seymour said the scholarships represented an investment not only in the beneficiaries but also in Nigeria’s future.
She urged the scholars to return to Nigeria after their studies and apply the knowledge, skills and international exposure gained in the UK to national development.
“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 added that she expected the scholars to follow in the footsteps of previous beneficiaries who had contributed to the development of the country.
The British envoy also encouraged the scholars to bring their experiences back home and use them to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria.
One of the new Chevening scholars, Sarah Nathaniel Yanayork, who will study International Human Rights Law at the University of Essex, described her selection as the culmination of a three-year journey of resilience, growth and commitment to social change.
Yanayork said the scholarship was more than an academic opportunity, describing it as a platform to build international networks, engage in volunteerism and return to Nigeria better equipped 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.
For Commonwealth scholar Abubakar Umar, who will study Special Educational Needs at the University of Exeter, the award carries an added significance.
Umar, who has a hearing impairment, said his selection represented an important step towards promoting a more inclusive education system.
He described the scholarship journey as one characterised by resilience and inclusion, noting that the application and post-selection processes had also demonstrated the importance of accessibility.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has built a large alumni network from the two UK scholarship programmes, with more than 5,237 Nigerians having benefited from the Chevening and Commonwealth schemes, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Applications for the 2027/2028 Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships are currently open.
Prospective applicants can apply through the official Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship application platforms.
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