The Federal Government has commenced the screening of more than 2,000 Nigerian applicants for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), as part of efforts to identify outstanding scholars capable of contributing to national development.
The screening exercise began with the opening ceremony of the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarship Nomination Interviews in Abuja, with academic excellence, quality research and national development identified as key considerations in the selection process.
Speaking at the event, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, described the scholarship programme as a strategic investment in human capital development and an opportunity to build expertise needed to address critical national challenges.
She identified academic merit, the quality of proposed study plans and their potential developmental impact as the three fundamental criteria guiding the selection process.
According to her, applicants must demonstrate not only outstanding academic records but also how their proposed programmes would translate into practical solutions and contribute to national growth.
She said, “Candidates must demonstrate not only outstanding academic records but also how their proposed programmes would translate into practical solutions and contribute to national development.”
Olatunji-David charged members of the interview panel, comprising distinguished professors, accomplished scholars and retired directors in the education sector, to uphold fairness, objectivity and professionalism throughout the exercise.
She urged the panel to align the selection process with Nigeria’s development priorities, particularly the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), being implemented under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.
She said the scholarship programme should produce highly skilled professionals capable of advancing education reforms, strengthening institutions, promoting innovation and accelerating national development in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The director further noted that the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, established in 1959, had produced more than 30,000 beneficiaries globally, including Nigerians who had made significant contributions to national development, particularly in tertiary education.
Acknowledging the limited number of available awards, she encouraged applicants to approach the interviews with confidence, discipline and focus.
Also speaking, the Director of the Department of Scholarship Awards, Mrs. Khadijat Liman, disclosed that the ministry received more than 2,000 applications through its Electronic Application System (EAS), reflecting growing interest among Nigerians in international postgraduate opportunities.
She explained that the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom had invited the department to nominate qualified Nigerian candidates for the scholarship programme.
Liman said, “The Ministry remains committed to presenting outstanding scholars capable of sustaining Nigeria’s reputation within the Commonwealth scholarship framework.”
She urged members of the interview panel to strictly adhere to the commission’s selection criteria, stressing that the quality of nominees was essential to maintaining Nigeria’s credibility and competitiveness.
She also commended State Scholarship Boards and the department’s Zonal Officers for publicising the opportunities and expanding awareness of the programme across the country.
In a goodwill message, the representative of the British High Commission, Ms. Sarah Amu, reaffirmed the United Kingdom government’s commitment to education, leadership development and capacity building through scholarship programmes.
She disclosed that 56 Nigerian Commonwealth Master’s and PhD scholars had commenced their academic programmes, highlighting the continued educational partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.