UK reiterates commitment to free education for Nigerian students

 

The United Kingdom yesterday said 50 Nigerians who were awarded scholarships through its Chevening Scholarship Programme have completed their courses.

Chevening Programme and Communication Officer in Nigeria, Boma Amieyeofori, spoke at the welcome ceremony for the Chevening scholars when they were hosted at the residence of the British Deputy High Commission in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Chevening is a UK Government’s global scholarship programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisation. The scholarships support study at UK universities, mostly a one-year taught master’s degrees, for individuals with demonstrable potentials to become future leaders, decision makers and opinion formers.

Amieyeofori said the scholars were fully funded in their programmes in the UK where they would get world-class education with the intention of returning to the country to make impacts.

“We had over 8,000 Nigerians who applied for the scholarship and 50 scholars were selected which includes three people with disabilities. It is extremely important that people with disabilities are selected because the UK embraces all kinds of people as they are top priorities in all ramifications,” she said.

Amieyeofori noted that Chevening has over 50,000 alumni globally which helps in networking.

“A Chevening scholar is different from others because you get to meet an alumni network of over 50,000 people globally and 1,500 locally. This in turn helps and aids in networking which provides limitless careers and job opportunities,” she added.

The British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Ben Llewelyn-Jones, urged the scholars to take advantage of the opportunity.

“I urge all the scholars to make use of this opportunity to have a positive impact on the society. The skills acquired while in the UK should be used to build networks that would translate into creating positive lasting changes,” he said.

A beneficiary, Miss Janet Zagah, expressed her excitement at the completion of her master’s degree programme in the UK. She hailed the UK government for the skills set acquired while studying overseas.

“My experience was nothing short of breathtaking as I was able to acquire various skill sets during my one-year programme. I’m glad I was given the opportunity to further my studies in the UK and I would use the experience to impact the country in a positive way,” she said.

CREDIT: The Nations