The UK government has awarded Nigerians with disabilities Chevening scholarships.

The scholarship is designed to foster their inclusion in society with equal opportunities as others.

Gill Atkinson, the acting head of the British High Commission in Nigeria, disclosed this during a presentation in Abuja to showcase the Chevening Scholarship to Persons with Disabilities.

“Chevening gives real opportunities to some of the best people in the country to study, meeting their passions and bringing those skills and experiences that they have had back to Nigeria,” Ms Atkinson explained. “I have seen recent Chevening graduates who have just begun in the system and also people who are twenty years into their career.”

She stated that persons with disabilities should not be “left out,” pointing out that Nigeria “is one of the biggest” beneficiaries of the programme.

Layo Ladepo, a Chevening programme officer, added that including persons with disabilities would contribute to Nigeria’s development, urging more of them to apply for the 2022 programme.

Applications remain open until November 2, 2021.

James Lalu, the executive secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, said, “I am very happy for the detailed explanation which will guide persons with disabilities through the application process and what to expect in the UK.”

In 2019 to 2020 Chevening application cycle, Nigeria recorded the highest number of applications globally, with 8,000 applicants.

The UK government had earlier warded the scholarship to 49 Nigerians for the 2020 to 2021 Chevening cycle.

The Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organisations.

The programme offers awards to outstanding scholars with leadership potential worldwide to study for a master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.

(NAN)