The United Kingdom has awarded scholarships to 68 Nigerians to pursue master’s and PhD programmes at universities across the country during the 2026 academic year.

The beneficiaries were selected through competitive application and interview processes, with pre-departure ceremonies held in Abuja and Lagos to honour the scholars.

Of the 68 recipients, 12 received Chevening Scholarships, while 56 were awarded Commonwealth Scholarships.

Speaking at a pre-departure reception in Abuja, Vicky Seymour, Chargée d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, congratulated the scholars and urged them to use the knowledge and experience gained in the UK to contribute to Nigeria’s development.

Seymour described the scholarship programmes as an investment not only in the beneficiaries but also in Nigeria’s future, noting that previous recipients had gone on to contribute to national development across various sectors.

Among the beneficiaries is Sarah Nathaniel Yanayork, a Chevening Scholar who will study International Human Rights Law at the University of Essex.

Another recipient, Abubakar Umar, who has a hearing impairment, will study Special Educational Needs at the University of Exeter under the Commonwealth Scholarship.

Umar described the award as an opportunity to contribute to building a more inclusive education system, while Yanayork said the scholarship would strengthen her work in human rights, good governance and inclusive development.

The Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programmes support candidates who demonstrate intellectual ability, leadership potential and commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries.

Nigeria has more than 5,237 Chevening and Commonwealth alumni, many of whom have gone on to occupy influential positions and contribute to national development in different sectors.