The British High Commission in Nigeria has welcomed 178 exceptional scholars and fellows who recently completed their studies through the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth United Kingdom (UK) scholarships, pursuing a wide range of master’s degrees, fellowships and PhD programmes.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, Senior Communications & Public Diplomacy Officer British High Commission in Abuja.
In Lagos, Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter hosted the newly returned 2022/2023 Nigerian scholars and fellows to a Welcome Home Reception after the successful completion of their programmes. During their programmes, they had an amazing opportunity to develop their skills and build networks that will enable them to create positive lasting change in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking at the reception, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter said: “We take pride in welcoming back our Commonwealth and Chevening Scholars. Congratulations to each of you for successfully completing your studies, many with distinctions. I’m pleased that you’ve had the opportunity to study in the UK and have now returned with additional knowledge and skills to positively impact Nigeria. Aim for excellence and continue to uphold the values of both the UK and Nigeria through your remarkable achievements.”
Commonwealth Fellow, Ebere Iwuagwu, who studied at the Lifegate Outreach Centre UK, said: “I am an environmental advocate and love doing community advocacy. In the course of work, I discovered the paucity in access to energy and its impact in most communities particularly women and youths. The Commonwealth Fellowship afforded me the opportunity to learn about so many renewable options derived from natural resources such as solar and vegetables that can be adopted in these communities with less impact on the environment and human health.”
Chevening Scholar, Jonathan Ayodele, who studied Cybersecurity at Cardiff University, UK, said: “The Chevening scholarship not only provided me with world-class education but also invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders, access to several opportunities in the UK tech sector, and a greatly expanded professional network which will serve as robust foundation for my transformative goals.
“I have plans to build a tech hub in Ikorodu Lagos, with a vision for Ikorodu to lead in technological innovation. My aim is to foster local talent, enhancing livelihoods and inspiring the next wave of Technology leaders. The proposed hub will catalyse economic empowerment by providing a platform for youth skills development, entrepreneurship, bridging the divide between local talent and international opportunities.”
