The United Kingdom Government has awarded 68 Nigerians the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to undertake master’s and PhD programmes at universities across the UK in 2026.

The scholars were honoured at pre-departure ceremonies held in Abuja and Lagos yesterday as part of efforts to prepare them for their studies and recognise their achievement in securing the highly competitive scholarships.

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Of the 68 Nigerian beneficiaries, 12 received Chevening scholarships, while 56 have so far been awarded Commonwealth scholarships.

Speaking at the pre-departure reception in Abuja, Chargée d’Affaires, British High Commission Abuja, Vicky Seymour, congratulated the scholars for successfully navigating the competitive application and interview processes.

Seymour described the scholarship programmes as an investment not only in the beneficiaries but also in Nigeria’s future, urging the scholars to return home and deploy the knowledge, experience and networks acquired in the UK towards national development.

“Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars have bright futures – and we see your time in the UK as not only as an investment in you as individuals, but also in the future of Nigeria,” she said.

“On your return to Nigeria, I know you will go on to do great things, just as your alumni have done before you. It is therefore my hope that you too will bring these experiences back to Nigeria and use them to achieve remarkable things for your country and put your own mark on the future of this great nation.”

One of the Chevening scholars, Sarah Nathaniel Yanayork, who will study International Human Rights Law at the University of Essex, described the award as the culmination of a three-year journey of resilience and personal growth.

“Being selected as a Chevening Scholar is the profound validation of a three-year journey marked by resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to change,” she said.

Yanayork said the scholarship would provide more than academic opportunities, describing it as a platform to build global networks, engage in volunteerism and prepare herself to contribute to good governance, inclusive development, human rights and community transformation in Nigeria.

For Commonwealth scholar Abubakar Umar, who will study Special Educational Needs at the University of Exeter, the award holds particular significance because of his hearing impairment.

“As a person with a hearing impairment, this is very special for me. Being a Commonwealth Scholar is beyond just a scholarship; it is a journey to an inclusive system – the UK standard,” Umar said.

He described the scholarship experience, from the application through the post-selection process, as a demonstration of inclusion and resilience, adding that “a journey of resilience and inclusivity has just begun.”

The Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programmes are awarded to individuals who demonstrate intellectual ability, leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries.

Nigeria has built a substantial alumni network through the two programmes, with more than 5,237 Commonwealth and Chevening alumni contributing to various sectors of national development.

Meanwhile, applications for the 2027-2028 Chevening Scholarships are currently open, while applications for the 2027-2028 Commonwealth Scholarships have also commenced.