30 varsities to participate in Commonwealth scholarship competition

Over 30 tertiary institutions in Nigeria would be competing in this this year’s Commonwealth scholarship award debate.

This is part of the activities commemorating this year’s Commonwealth Day Celebration in Abuja.

• FG Flags-off 2021/2022 Commonwealth Scholarship
• 67 students study abroad on Commonwealth scholarship

The Commonwealth Society Ambassador for Nigeria, Ambassador Patricia Yakubu, said at the event, with the theme ‘Delivering a Common Future’ that this year’s celebration focuses on tertiary institutions.

After the competition in Nigeria, 6 schools would be chosen to participate in the debate at the African level, then the winners would proceed for the finals at the global level.

“The significance of this celebration today is a celebration that is done all over the 54 Commonwealth Countries. So, in every year celebration, we bring up a program that binds us together as Commonwealth countries.

“This year’s event is focusing on tertiary institutions, it brings young ones together from tertiary institutions, they conduct debates amongst them to bring out their talents. Most of these young ones end up getting the Commonwealth scholarship to study abroad,” Ambassador Yakubu said.

On his part, the Secretary-General of Commonwealth Society of Nigeria, Prince Musa Abutu, said in the last year’s edition of the scholarship award, five Nigerian students were awarded full scholarships.

He said, “The first edition of this scholarship award was held last year in Abuja, and five schools emerged winners where they presented three students each for the scholarship which qualified them to the African level competition.

“At the final level, which is global, we had 5 students from Nigeria who were given scholarships. This year, 30 schools will participate in the scholarship competition, five institutions will be picked to participate in the competition at the African level.”

Also, Queen Elizabeth II, in her message read at the event, by Ambassador Yakubu said, “Today, it is rewarding to observe a modern, vibrant and connected Commonwealth that combines a wealth of history and tradition with the great social, cultural and technological advances of our time. That the Commonwealth stands ever taller is a credit to all those who have been involved.

“We are nourished and sustained by our relationships and, throughout my life, I have enjoyed the privilege of hearing what the relationships built across the great reach and diversity of the Commonwealth have meant to people and communities.

“Our family of nations continues to be a point of connection, cooperation and friendship. It is a place to come together to pursue common goals and the common good, providing everyone with the opportunity to serve and benefit.

“In these testing times, it is my hope that you can draw strength and inspiration from what we share, as we work together towards a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for all.”