Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to create positive change.

The Chevening scholars who have completed their studies are 30 in total, while the Commonwealth scholars and fellows are 69.

At both events, the scholars and fellows shared their academic journeys and experiences, and their preparedness to use the skills and knowledge developed during their studies to contribute to Nigeria’s development.

Additionally, they were celebrated for their exceptional academic achievements, received their completion certificates, and were officially inducted into the Chevening and Commonwealth alumni community in Nigeria.

Speaking at the reception, Mrs. Gill Lever (OBE) the British Deputy High Commissioner, said:

“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, many with distinctions.  I’m so happy that talented Nigerians have had the opportunity to study in the UK, returning with additional knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in their home country. I encourage them to aim for excellence in their future endeavours.  I know they will be great ambassadors for the UK in Nigeria and make the most of the networking and knowledge sharing that being a Commonwealth or Chevening scholar presents. Keep in touch everyone!”

British Council was represented at the welcome event by Mr. Chikodi Onyemerela, director of Programmes, British Council Nigeria.

During his remarks, Chikodi congratulated the scholars for successfully completing their master’s and PhD programmes in the UK.

He urged the scholars to be good Ambassadors of their institutions in Nigeria and urged them to apply the knowledge, skills and network that they have acquired in the UK to address challenges facing Nigeria in various sectors while maintaining ties with their UK institutions.

Chevening Scholar, Nankur Pontip Ramdur who studied Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security at Coventry University, UK said:

“I understand that peace and security are at the heart of every nation’s development and success; hence, I look forward to contributing to a safer Nigeria. I plan to continue outreach to schools and communities with my team, teaching responses and safe practices regarding sexual and gender-based violence. I am also currently writing a book to broaden the impact of this initiative in Nigeria and subsequently across the globe. I have so much more to meaningfully contribute to my country, and I am glad Chevening has propelled me towards achieving my dreams!”

Commonwealth Scholar, Chimdi Ekwueme who studied Health Policy, Planning and Finance at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK said:

“Studying in the UK has deepened my Nigerian perspective by allowing me to situate my local experience within wider international conversations and gaining practical insights I can apply at home.”

The training facility was funded by the UK through its Ministry of Defence and built by a team of Royal Engineers from the British Army working alongside Nigerian Army Engineers.

The facility will make training more realistic for the soldiers and help prepare trainees to operate effectively during deployments.

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by Major General SG Mohammed, officially opened the training facility today in Ogun State, alongside the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, and Brigadier Martin Leach from the UK’s Ministry of Defence.

Attendees also saw firsthand, a demonstration operation conducted by Nigerian Armed Forces.

The Deputy High Commissioner was subsequently briefed on the training display.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr. Jonny Baxter, deputy high commissioner, said:

The UK has deep interests in Nigeria’s development, security, and stability. We enjoy a long-standing security and defence relationship, underpinned by a shared desire to support regional and international peace and security. Our work with the Nigeria Armed Forces seeks to build capacity to address the root causes of insurgency and insecurity and support institutional modernisation and transformation.

“We provide substantial security and development support to Nigeria including capacity building assistance, training facilities and equipment. The British Government will continue to work with Nigeria to respond to the drivers of conflict – and all these engagements we hope, will lead to better security, stability, and enhanced growth partnerships for the good of both our countries.”

The Deputy High Commissioner also paid tribute to the significant sacrifices made by the Nigerian soldiers in working with their counterparts to bring peace and security to the region.