Abuja/Lagos, 06 February 2026 — The British High Commission has rolled out the red carpet for 99 outstanding Nigerians who have successfully completed their studies in the United Kingdom under the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship Programmes, marking a proud moment for UK–Nigeria educational and diplomatic relations.
At colourful Welcome Home Ceremonies held in Abuja and Lagos, the returning scholars were celebrated not just for academic excellence, but for their readiness to translate global exposure into local impact. The cohort includes 30 Chevening Scholars and 69 Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows, cutting across master’s degrees, PhDs and fellowship programmes in diverse fields critical to national development.
From global security and public health to policy, finance, research and innovation, the returning scholars represent a new wave of globally trained Nigerian leaders poised to influence change across sectors.
“Talented Nigerians, Ready to Make a Difference”
Speaking at the reception, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Gill Lever (OBE), expressed deep pride in the achievements of the scholars, many of whom graduated with distinctions.
“We take great pride in welcoming back our Commonwealth and Chevening Scholars. Congratulations to each and every one of them for successfully completing their studies. I’m delighted that talented Nigerians have had the opportunity to study in the UK and return home with enhanced skills and knowledge to make a positive difference,” she said.
Mrs. Lever charged the scholars to aim for excellence, describing them as natural ambassadors of the UK in Nigeria and urged them to fully leverage the powerful alumni networks that come with the Chevening and Commonwealth communities.
“I know they will be great ambassadors for the UK in Nigeria and make the most of the networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities these scholarships provide. Keep in touch!” she added.
British Council Urges Scholars to Turn Knowledge into National Solutions
Also lending strong institutional support was the British Council Nigeria, represented by Mr. Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programmes. He congratulated the scholars on successfully completing their rigorous academic journeys and encouraged them to channel their international exposure into practical solutions for Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
Mr. Onyemerela emphasized the importance of maintaining strong links with their UK institutions while serving as credible ambassadors of knowledge, innovation and collaboration back home.
Scholars Speak: From UK Classrooms to Nigerian Communities
Beyond the certificates and celebrations, the ceremonies gave voice to the aspirations and commitments of the returning scholars.
Chevening Scholar, Nankur Pontip Ramdur, who studied Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security at Coventry University, underscored the link between security and national development.
“Peace and security are at the heart of every nation’s success. I am committed to contributing to a safer Nigeria,” she said, noting her ongoing community and school outreach on responses to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). She revealed she is currently writing a book to broaden the impact of her work across Nigeria and beyond.
Similarly, Commonwealth Scholar, Chimdi Ekwueme, who studied Health Policy, Planning and Finance at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, described his UK experience as transformative.
“Studying in the UK deepened my Nigerian perspective by situating my local experiences within wider international conversations, while equipping me with practical insights I can apply at home,” he said.
A Growing Alumni Powerhouse
The return of the 99 scholars adds momentum to Nigeria’s already formidable Chevening and Commonwealth alumni base, now numbering over 4,500—including more than 3,000 Commonwealth and 1,500 Chevening alumni. Across Nigeria’s public service, academia, civil society, private sector and diplomacy, these alumni continue to play critical roles in national development.
Globally, Chevening and Commonwealth alumni include Prime Ministers, cabinet ministers, Nobel Prize winners, diplomats, academics and global NGO leaders, underlining the prestige and long-term impact of both programmes.
More Than Scholarships, A Strategic Investment
Established in 1983, Chevening Scholarships remain the UK Government’s flagship programme for grooming future leaders, decision-makers and influencers. Likewise, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, since 1960, has funded over 31,000 scholars worldwide, building a legacy of leadership and development across the Commonwealth.
For Nigeria, the Welcome Home ceremonies were more than celebratory gatherings—they were a strategic reaffirmation that education, partnership and people-to-people connections remain at the heart of UK–Nigeria relations.
As the 99 scholars step into the next chapter of their journeys, expectations are high—but so is confidence that they will turn global knowledge into local progress, shaping Nigeria’s future one sector at a time.
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