By Kazeem Waris
The United Kingdom has challenged Nigerian beneficiaries of its Commonwealth and Chevening scholarships to return home with knowledge, skills and practical solutions to some of the country’s most pressing challenges.
The UK Charge d’Affaires to Nigeria, Vicky Seymour, gave the charge yesterday in Abuja at a farewell reception for the 2026 Commonwealth and Chevening scholars.
A total of 56 Nigerians were selected for Commonwealth Scholarships, while 12 secured Chevening Scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic session.
Seymour described the scholarships as an investment in Nigeria’s future, saying the beneficiaries were selected not only for academic excellence but also for their leadership potential and commitment to making a difference in their communities.
She urged the scholars to maximise their exposure to Britain’s education system, institutions and professional networks and return home ready to translate their experience into tangible impact.
“Make the most of your time in the UK and return prepared to create lasting impact in your communities and across Nigeria,” she said.
Seymour said the competitiveness of the programmes underscored the achievement of the Nigerian scholars, noting that the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission received more than 31,000 applications globally, over a third of them from Nigeria.
She added that Chevening received more than 89,000 applications worldwide, including about 14,000 from Nigeria.
The British diplomat cited the example of a scholar who planned to train 50 young Nigerians in green skills within the first year of returning home.
She also referenced an alumnus who established a flying doctor service in Nigeria after studying aviation and medicine in the UK, saying such examples demonstrated the potential impact of the programmes.
Study Britain, solve Nigeria’s problems’
Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, IPCR, Joseph Ochogwu, a 2004–2005 Chevening scholar, described the programme as life-changing and an important platform for building global networks.
He said members of his cohort had gone on to become ambassadors, ministers and chief executives, adding that the scholarship also strengthened relations between Britain and other countries.
General Secretary, Chevening Alumni Association of Nigeria, CAAN, and Chief Executive Officer, Pistis Finserve Centre, Oluwafemi Adedipe, urged the scholars to use their time in Britain to study systems and identify lessons that could be adapted to Nigeria.
“Prepare yourself for the problems that Nigeria still needs to solve,” Adedipe told the scholars.
He reminded them that Chevening beneficiaries are required to return to Nigeria for at least two years after completing their studies.
A member of the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria, COSFAN, Ojochide Cyril Akagwu, similarly urged the scholars to remain focused on the purpose of their studies and exploit the academic and networking opportunities available to them.
He challenged them to examine technological and institutional advances in Britain and consider how they could be adapted to tackle Nigerian challenges over the next five to 10 years.
For some of the scholars, the return-home mission is already taking shape.
One of the Commonwealth scholars, Bright Oyom, who is heading to Queen’s University Belfast for a PhD in Biomolecular and Medicinal Chemistry, said his research would focus on developing anti-cancer compounds and tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Oyom said he hoped to gain a deeper understanding of the drug-development process and apply the experience to help bridge gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare and pharmaceutical research system.
Another scholar, Lauretta Bright, who will study for an MSc in Climate and Environmental Science at the University of Glasgow, said flooding, irregular rainfall and environmental degradation had driven her interest in climate action.
She plans to specialize in climate data analysis and modelling and, on returning to Nigeria, train young people in green skills while working with schools, local governments and non-governmental organisations.
Zainab Sani Dahiru, who will study Public Health for Global Practice at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said her focus would be on reducing cancer disparities and improving access to quality cancer care in Nigeria.
The scholars are expected to commence their respective programmes in the UK as members of the 2026–2027 Commonwealth and Chevening scholarship cohort.
