FG PRIORITISES ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN 2027/2028 COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

PRESS RELEASE

2nd November, 2026

FG PRIORITISES ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN 2027/2028 COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION

The Federal Government has placed academic excellence, quality research and national development at the centre of Nigeria’s selection process for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), emphasising the importance of identifying outstanding scholars whose acquired knowledge and expertise will contribute to national growth.

This position was highlighted at the opening ceremony of the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarship Nomination Interviews in Abuja, where over 2,000 Nigerian applicants commenced the competitive selection process for the prestigious international awards.

Speaking at the event, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Mrs. Folake Olatunji-David, described the scholarship as a strategic investment in human capital development and an opportunity to build expertise required to address critical national challenges
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She identified academic merit, the quality of proposed study plans and their potential developmental impact as the three fundamental selection criteria. She stressed that candidates must demonstrate not only outstanding academic records but also how their proposed programmes would translate into practical solutions and contribute to national development.

Dr. Olatunji-David charged the interview panel, comprising distinguished professors, accomplished scholars and retired Directors in the education sector, to uphold fairness, objectivity and professionalism.

She urged them to align the selection process with Nigeria’s development priorities, particularly the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), driven under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa CON, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

She emphasised that the scholarship should help develop highly skilled professionals capable of advancing education reforms, strengthening institutions, promoting innovation and accelerating national development.

She noted that the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, established in 1959, had produced over 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 urged applicants to approach the interviews with confidence, discipline and focus.

In her remarks, the Director, Department of Scholarship Awards, Mrs. Khadijat. Liman, disclosed that over 2,000 applications were received through the Electronic Application System (EAS), reflecting growing Nigerian interest in international postgraduate opportunities.

She explained that the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom had invited the Department to nominate qualified Nigerian candidates, assuring that the Ministry remained committed to presenting outstanding scholars capable of sustaining Nigeria’s reputation within the Commonwealth scholarship framework.

Mrs. Liman urged panelists to strictly observe the Commission’s selection criteria, noting 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 nationwide.

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 commenced their academic programmes in…the United Kingdom in September 2026, describing this as evidence of the enduring educational partnership between both countries.

Ms. Amu commended Nigeria’s decision to conduct nomination interviews across the six geopolitical zones, noting that the approach promotes fairness, inclusiveness and equal opportunities. She encouraged applicants to remain confident and authentic while communicating their academic aspirations, leadership experiences and commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s development. She also applauded the organisers and panelists for promoting a transparent and merit-based process.

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan remains an important platform for international academic exchange, advanced research, leadership development and knowledge transfer among Commonwealth countries.

The Federal Ministry of Education emphasises that the programme’s true value extends beyond acquiring international qualifications to applying knowledge and expertise to solve societal problems, strengthen institutions, advance research and drive innovation.

Through a transparent, competitive and merit-based process, the Federal Government seeks to nurture highly skilled professionals, researchers and future leaders whose contributions will advance NESRI and support the building of a competitive, knowledge-driven and prosperous Nigeria.

Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations