FG commences Commonwealth scholarship interviews for over 2,000 Nigerians

The Federal Government has commenced the selection process for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan with over 2,000 applications from Nigerians seeking postgraduate study opportunities abroad.

The interviews opened on Monday, November 2, 2026 with academic excellence, quality research and national development identified as key considerations for selecting successful candidates.

The development was announced in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja on November 2, 2026.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, described the scholarship as a strategic investment in human capital development.

She identified academic merit, the quality of proposed study plans and their potential contribution to national development as the three major selection criteria.

The Director of Scholarship Awards, Mrs Khadijat Liman, disclosed that the applications were received through the ministry's Electronic Application System, adding that the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom had invited Nigeria to nominate qualified candidates.

In a goodwill message, British High Commission representative, Ms Sarah Amu, disclosed that 56 Nigerian Commonwealth Master's and PhD scholars commenced their academic programmes in the United Kingdom in September 2026.

She commended Nigeria's decision to conduct nomination interviews across the six geopolitical zones, noting that the approach promotes fairness, inclusiveness and equal opportunities.

Established in 1959, the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan has produced over 30,000 beneficiaries globally, including Nigerians who have contributed to national development.

The Federal Government said the programme aims to develop skilled professionals and researchers capable of applying their acquired knowledge to strengthen institutions, advance research and drive innovation in Nigeria.