A pre-departure ceremony for Abuja-based scholars was held on Thursday, with a similar event planned in Lagos next week, hosted by Deputy Head of Mission Abby Bernard.

At the Abuja reception, British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever congratulated the recipients on successfully navigating the competitive application process. Lever encouraged the scholars to excel in their studies, be outstanding ambassadors for Nigeria, and leverage the opportunities for knowledge growth, cultural exchange, and networking during their stay in the UK. She emphasized the importance of bringing their experiences back to Nigeria to drive positive change.
Director of Operations at the British Council Nigeria, Idowu Akintade, also addressed the scholars, highlighting the role of the scholarships in preparing recipients to contribute to Nigeria’s development priorities. He urged the scholars to build strong networks and uphold the prestigious reputation of the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships.
The Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships are awarded to individuals demonstrating intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to their home country’s development. Nigeria boasts a large alumni network, with over 4,500 individuals who have made significant contributions to the country’s progress.