BHC welcomes 99 Nigerian Chevening and Commonwealth scholars home
Sopuruchi Onwuka
The British High Commission (BHC) has announced the return of 99 Nigerian graduates of the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship programs who recently completed postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.
Of the returning scholars, 30 were Chevening Scholars, while 69 were Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows.
The diplomatic office held Welcome Home ceremonies in Abuja and Lagos to celebrate scholars who pursued a broad range of master’s degrees, PhDs, and fellowship programs across UK institutions.
The ceremonies provided an opportunity for the graduates to reflect on their academic journeys and share how they plan to apply the skills, knowledge, and networks gained in the UK to contribute to Nigeria’s development. The scholars were also presented with completion certificates and formally inducted into the Chevening and Commonwealth alumni communities in Nigeria.
Speaking at the reception, British Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs Gill Lever (OBE), congratulated the scholars on their achievements and encouraged them to remain connected to both the UK and Nigeria.
“We take great pride in welcoming back our Commonwealth and Chevening Scholars,” she said. “Congratulations to each and every one of them for successfully completing their studies, many with distinctions. I am delighted that talented Nigerians have had the opportunity to study in the UK and return home with enhanced knowledge and skills to make a positive difference. I encourage them to aim for excellence in their future endeavours and to make the most of the networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities that come with being part of the Chevening and Commonwealth alumni communities.”
The British Council was represented at the events by Mr Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programs, British Council Nigeria. He commended the scholars for completing their academic programs and urged them to serve as ambassadors for their UK institutions while applying their expertise to address challenges across Nigeria’s key sectors.
“Your knowledge, skills, and networks are valuable assets,” Onyemerela said. “I encourage you to use them to drive impact in Nigeria while maintaining strong ties with your UK institutions.”
One of the returning Chevening Scholars, Nankur Pontip Ramdur, who studied Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security at Coventry University, said her studies had strengthened her resolve to contribute to peace and security in Nigeria.
“Peace and security are at the heart of every nation’s development,” she said. “I plan to continue outreach to schools and communities, teaching safe practices and responses to sexual and gender-based violence. I am also writing a book to expand the reach of this work. Chevening has propelled me towards achieving my dreams, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to my country.”
Commonwealth Scholar Chimdi Ekwueme, who studied Health Policy, Planning and Finance at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said his UK education helped broaden his professional perspective.
“Studying in the UK allowed me to place my Nigerian experience within wider international conversations and gain practical insights that I can apply back home,” he said.
The Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to individuals from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to driving positive change. The British High Commission said it looks forward to seeing the returning scholars play active roles in Nigeria’s development while strengthening people-to-people links between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
