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30 Years of Chevening Scholarships in Nigeria

The British High Commission Abuja organised a pre-departure reception on Tuesday 27 August 2013, in honour of the Nigerian scholars awarded Chevening Scholarships this year.

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2013/14 Chevening Scholars from Nigeria at reception in Abuja.

2013/14 Chevening Scholars from Nigeria at reception in Abuja.

The British High Commission Abuja organised a pre-departure reception on Tuesday 27 August 2013, in honour of the Nigerian scholars awarded Chevening Scholarships this year. The event was also to celebrate 30 years of Chevening Scholarships

The High Commissioner, Dr Andrew Pocock in his opening address said “Chevening Scholarships are awarded not only to brilliant people but to brilliant scholars with drive and leadership potential to effect change and development.”

He emphasised that Chevening Scholarships are about Brain Gain and NOT Brain Drain. The Scholars are expected to return to Nigeria on completion of their study in the UK and to use their knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of their own country.

In response Mr Tom Odemwingie, a 1991 Chevening Alumnus, President of the Chevening Alumni Association of Nigeria (CAAN) and until recently Managing Editor at BusinessDay thanked the British Government for running Chevening scholarships, and said that the Award has been instrumental in furthering his career.

Mrs Hadiza Santali Saeed of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), one of the new scholars going to study International Law, Security and Terrorism at the University of Nottingham responding on behalf of the 2013/14 scholars said “I was elated, ecstatic, it’s hard to describe, it was like a real fist pumping moment. I am hoping I can contribute to change and to improve progress in the Nigerian judiciary when I return”

2014/15 Chevening Applications open in Nigeria on 1 September 2013 www.Chevening.org

Published 30 August 2013