TheCable

Of the 6,043 applications received in Africa’s largest country, forty three Nigerians have been selected as recipients of the UK government Chevening award for a masters degree in the United Kingdom.

Laure Beaufils, the deputy British high commissioner, revealed this at the award presentation ceremony and reception in honour of the 2017/18 Chevening scholarship Nigerian recipients in Ikoyi, Lagos on Thursday.

Beaufils said the selected scholars are the best of the best in the Nigerian system, chosen from thousands of applications received in the country.

With over 63,000 applications from across the world, and just over 1,500 selected from more than 140 countries and territories, Beaufils added that she strongly believes that the future belongs to scholars.

Some of the scholars who spoke to TheCable expressed their gratitude to the UK government for the opportunity to learn from some of the best universities in the world, broaden their horizons, and acquire skill-set that can help in driving Nigeria’s development.

Adelakun flanked by Chukwu Chidera and Oty Chinedu

AnuOluwapo Adelakun, a graduate of Lead City University, who will be studying for a master’s degree in Journalism and Documentary Practice said the scholarship is “an amazing opportunity  to invest in the future of Nigerians passionate about contributing to development. I feel privileged and profusely blessed to be Chosen for Chevening”.

Gideon Olanrewaju, a graduate of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, who will be studying International Education and Development also at the University of Sussex, described the scheme as “a life changing opportunity,” which “helps young talents transform into leaders who will make their countries a better place to live”.

“For me, this is a sacred privilege that I hold in high esteem and I look forward to an exciting time developing academic expertise and professional competencies to scale the impact of my work in promoting access to quality education in Nigeria,” he said.

John Igwebuike after receiving the Chevening-Ladol award

John Igwebuike, who was awarded Chevening-LADOL scholarship for Msc Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship considers the scholarship “a unique opportunity for young talents to equip themselves with best practices, skills, and robust network that will distinguish them as leaders in their chosen fields. It’s a big deal”

The Chevening-LADOL scholarship is co-funded by LADOL and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the UK government.

LADOL is the first and only base specifically designed to meet the logistical needs of deep water offshore oil and gas operations and projects in and around Nigeria.

Folasade Doherty, CAAN

Folasade Doherty, senior partner at The Metropole Practice and 2001 Chevening scholar, who spoke on behalf of John Momoh, chairman of Channels TV and president of the Chevening Alumni Association in Nigeria (CAAN) said the alumni network looks forward to receiving the scholars after their various programmes in the UK.

She said a lot of opportunities exist in the Chevening network across Nigeria, which would be of immense benefit to the scholars immediately they return from the UK.

Previous scholars include John Momoh, president and chairman of Channels TV; Habibat Lawal, acting secretary to the government of the federation; Adesola Adeduntan, CEO of First Bank Nigeria Limited; Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Bank; and Mausi Segun, executive director at Human Right Watch.

The Scholars with the Deputy High Commissioner

List of Chevening scholars from Nigeria for 2017/2018:

In 2016, 51 Nigerians were selected for studies in the UK via the award, with greater expectations for 2017.

Application is on for the 2018/2019 academic year, and can be submitted online between August 7 and November 7, 2017 on the Chevening website.