UK Promise Free Education for Nigerian Students

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

Boma Amieyeofori, Chevening Programme and Communication Officer in Nigeria, revealed this known at the welcome ceremony for the Chevening scholars.

The scholars were hosted at the residence of the British Deputy High Commission, Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to News reports that Chevening is a UK Government’s global Scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations.

The scholarships support study at UK universities, mostly a one-year taught master’s degree, for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers and opinion formers.

Amieyeofori said that the scholars were fully funded in their various scholarship programmes in the UK where they would get a world-class education with the intention of coming back to the country to make impact.

According to him, “We had over 8,000 Nigerians who applied for the scholarship and 50 scholars were selected which includes three people with disabilities.

In her words, “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.”

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

“I urge all scholars to make use of this opportunity to have a positive impact on 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 of the scholarship, Miss Janet Zagah, expressed her excitement at the completion of her master’s degree programme in the UK.
She commended the UK government for the skills set acquired while studying overseas.

In his words, “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”.

Mr. Daniel Nwaeze, another beneficiary, noted that the experience gained would enable him to take his career to higher levels.
He noted that he would impact society positively with his skill set.

NAN reports that at the inception of the Chevening programme in 1984 in Nigeria, over 1,500 Nigerians benefited from the scholarship programme.

Source: Vanguardngr.com