The British High Commission in Nigeria has extended the prestigious Chevening scholarship for the 2024/2025 academic year to select Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in a move toward promoting inclusivity and equal access to quality education.
This initiative, which aims to ensure fairness and equal educational opportunities for all citizens, aligns with international conventions advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities.
The announcement was made by Ms. Gill Atkinson, Deputy Commissioner of the British High Commission in Nigeria, during a presentation held in Abuja on Wednesday. The event was designed to introduce the Chevening Scholarship to PWDs and guide them through the application process.
Ms. Atkinson underscored the significance of Chevening as a program that fosters cooperation between the UK and the Nigerian government, particularly in the field of education. She emphasized the importance of promoting inclusivity by extending these opportunities to PWDs.
Chevening’s approach to inclusion was highlighted by Ms. Atkinson: “Chevening is designed not to discriminate against any particular group of people but to give them opportunities to study, pursue their passions, and bring the skills and experiences they acquire back to Nigeria. The reason we are doing this is to help Nigeria’s brightest and best take their country forward.”
She further noted that this initiative demonstrates the UK government’s commitment to showing that PWDs possess great abilities and should not be excluded from opportunities to excel and contribute to society.
Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Ladepo, the Chevening Programme Officer in Nigeria, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that including persons with disabilities in the scholarship program is a recognition of the untapped potential and valuable contributions they can make to Nigeria.
By extending Chevening scholarships to PWDs, the UK government aims to empower individuals who may have been overlooked in the past due to their disabilities, enabling them to pursue higher education and ultimately contribute to the development of Nigeria in various fields.
Interested and qualified persons can apply here.