UK Awards Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships to 85 Nigerians in 2025

The UK Government has awarded Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships to 85 Nigerians in 2025. Discover the impact, opportunities, and alumni network.

Prestigious Scholarships for Nigerian Students

The United Kingdom has awarded a total of 85 Nigerians the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships for 2025, offering them the opportunity to pursue master’s and doctoral programs in top UK universities.

This year’s recipients include:

39 Chevening Scholars
1 Chevening Fellow
45 Commonwealth Scholars

According to the British High Commission, the scholarships target individuals with exceptional academic records, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to national development.

Pre-Departure Ceremonies in Nigeria

To celebrate the awardees, a pre-departure reception was held in Abuja for scholars from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding states. A similar event will take place in Lagos in September.

During the Abuja ceremony, British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever congratulated the scholars, describing the process as highly competitive. She emphasized that the awardees will serve as ambassadors of both the UK and Nigeria.

“We are proud to see another batch of scholars depart for the UK, knowing they will return to strengthen the Chevening network in Nigeria,” Lever said.

The Significance of the Scholarships

A Platform for Leadership and Impact

The Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships are designed to:

Develop future leaders across multiple sectors.
Provide access to global networks and collaborations.
Equip Nigerians with the skills to drive national development.

The Director of Programmes at the British Council Nigeria, Chikodi Onyemerela, urged awardees to seize the opportunity fully.

“As you leave for the United Kingdom, you carry the hopes of your communities. The knowledge and networks you acquire will return as seeds of innovation, leadership, and progress,” Onyemerela stated.

Inspiring Scholars Making a Difference

Tijjani Mukaddas, the 2025 Chevening Fellow, will study at the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies. He highlighted his passion for designing policies to integrate Nigeria’s 18 million out-of-school children into education.
Cynthia Okoli, a Commonwealth scholar, will pursue studies at the Royal Veterinary College and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She expressed optimism about building lasting multidisciplinary networks.

Nigeria’s Strong Alumni Community

Nigeria boasts one of the largest alumni communities of Chevening and Commonwealth scholars globally. According to the British High Commission, more than 4,500 Nigerians have benefited so far:

3,000 from the Commonwealth Scholarship
1,500 from the Chevening Scholarship

Many of these alumni now hold key leadership positions in government, academia, and the private sector. Their contributions continue to shape policies, promote education, and drive innovation across Nigeria.

The awarding of Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships to 85 Nigerians in 2025 is more than an academic achievement—it is a national investment in leadership and development. With access to world-class education, these scholars are expected to return and contribute positively to Nigeria’s progress.

For Nigerians aspiring to apply in the future, detailed information about eligibility and applications can be found on the Chevening Scholarship official website.