The Federal Government has commenced the nomination interview process for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, with more than 2,000 Nigerian applicants participating in the selection exercise.
The interviews began on Monday in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarship Nomination Interviews, according to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Tuesday and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
The nomination exercise involves face-to-face assessments by a national panel, which evaluates shortlisted applicants and selects the most qualified candidates for recommendation to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom for final consideration. The interviews are scheduled to take place across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, described the scholarship programme as a strategic investment in human capital development and an opportunity to equip Nigerians with expertise to address critical national challenges.
She identified academic merit, the quality of proposed study plans and their potential impact on national development as the key criteria guiding the selection process.
According to her, applicants must demonstrate not only strong academic records but also the practical value of their proposed programmes to Nigeria’s development.
Olatunji-David urged members of the interview panel, comprising professors, scholars and retired directors in the education sector, to uphold fairness, objectivity and professionalism throughout the exercise.
She also called for the selection process to reflect Nigeria’s development priorities, particularly the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad.
The Director noted that the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, established in 1959, has produced more than 30,000 beneficiaries globally, including Nigerians who have made significant contributions to national development, particularly in the tertiary education sector.
While 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, 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, assuring that the ministry remained committed to presenting outstanding scholars for the final selection process.
Liman further disclosed that 56 Nigerian beneficiaries of the Commonwealth Master’s and PhD scholarships commenced their academic programmes in the United Kingdom in September 2026.
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan provides opportunities for academic exchange, advanced research, leadership development and knowledge transfer among member countries.