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FG opens application process for 2024/2025 Commonwealth scholarships

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The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the commencement of the application period for the 2024/2025 Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).

The scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), aim to support talented individuals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries in pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online, with the application period running from September 10 to October 15, 2024.

According to information provided by the Federal Ministry of Education official X page, potential applicants can access detailed guidelines and application forms through the following procedures:

In order to qualify for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, applicants are required to possess either a First Class or Upper Second-Class Honours degree in their undergraduate studies; and for PhD scholarships, a Second Class Lower Division degree is acceptable.  

 Also, applicants must have a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate, and must secure at least two admissions from UK universities before applying.  

NIS confirmed that the application process is free of charge, and applicants must print their completed forms before submission. They noted that for PhD candidates, a supporting statement from a UK university supervisor is required. 

 Further details from the official page provides that for one to be eligible, one must:  

  • Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person. 
  • Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country. 
  • Be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2024. 
  • By September 2024, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)*. The CSC would not normally fund a second Master’s degree. If applying for a second Master’s degree, applicants must provide justification as to why they wish to undertake this study. 
  • Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship. 
  • Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.

Eligible Countries for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 

Candidates interested in applying for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships must be from one of the following eligible countries: 

  • Bangladesh
  • Belize
  • Botswana
  • Cameroon
  • Dominica
  • Eswatini
  • Fiji
  • Gabon
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • India
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Lesotho
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  •  Maldives
  •  Mauritius
  •  Montserrat
  •  Mozambique
  •  Namibia
  •  Nauru
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Rwanda
  • Saint Helena
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Samoa
  • Sierra Leone
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • Sri Lanka
  • Tanzania
  • The Gambia
  • Togo
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • Vanuatu
  • Zambia 

Commonwealth related on their platform that interested parties should ensure that they are citizens from the countries listed before applying. 

The organization also relayed that applicants must submit several documents, including proof of citizenship or refugee status, full academic transcripts, and references from at least two individuals.  

 These documents must be uploaded in PDF format to the online application system by the specified deadline.  

‘The CSC will not accept documentation submitted outside the online system or after the closing date.’ the organization cited. They expanded that references and supporting statements should be on institutional letterhead or emailed from a verified source and must address specific criteria regarding the applicant’s qualifications and potential impact. 

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) evaluates applications based on academic merit, the quality of the research proposal, and the potential impact on the candidate’s home country. 

The CSC seeks individuals who demonstrate the capability to contribute meaningfully to international development and possess the drive to leverage their education for the benefit of their home nations.

For further details, interested candidates can access these links to be enlightened: 

(https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-phd-scholarships-for-least-developed-countries-and-fragile-states/

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan represents a significant opportunity for talented individuals from Commonwealth countries to advance their education and contribute to global development.  

By offering financial support and access to world-class education in the UK, the CSFP continues to foster international collaboration and sustainable development. Nigerian applicants are urged to adhere to the guidelines and deadlines to maximize their chances of securing these prestigious scholarships. For further inquiries, candidates can contact fsb@education.gov.ng.

Education

UNIOSUN mandates new students to apply for student loan

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The Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Professor Clement Adebooye, has mandated the institution’s fresh students to apply for Federal Government student loan anchored by the National Education Loan Fund, NELFUND.

This is as he disclosed that the university could only admit 11,000 students out of the 30,000 that applied for the 2024 academic session.

Speaking at the 18th Matriculation ceremony held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium at the main campus in Osogbo on Friday, he assured the newly admitted students of the timely completion of their courses of study.

He disclosed that the FG loan scheme would make learning easy for the new students due to the ongoing economic crisis in the country; hence, new students must apply for the loan.

His words, “I must also seize this opportunity to announce to you the opportunity for student loans provided by the Federal Government through NELFUND. As this is an intervention to cushion the effect of economic hardship on students, the management of this institution has decided that every new student must apply and access it to further make student life easy for you”.

He charged the newly admitted students to work tirelessly to achieve academic progression, saying they are among the few lucky ones to gain admission.

“It will interest you all to note that well over 30,000 candidates applied for admission into the university this year. Of this lot, we are only able to admit 11,000 (approximately one-third) into the various academic programmes across colleges and campuses. Though this means you are among the very lucky few admitted, it also shows you have all it takes to be undergraduates in any Nigerian university.

“But then, you all have to note for your all-time guidance that it is not everyone that starts any race that usually completes the race. The race in this context is competence building and knowledge acquisition, which come with regular lectures, assignments, tests, examinations, and character moulding all through your residency here.

“In this esteemed institution, we uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and moral uprightness. Social vices such as examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, drug abuse, sexual harassment, and truancy are strongly condemned,” he added.

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Education

Outrage as students reject renaming of UniAbuja after Yakubu Gowon

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Students of the University of Abuja have vehemently opposed the Federal Government’s decision to rename their institution after former military leader Yakubu Gowon.
The announcement, approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, December 16, has sparked widespread protests.

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed the council’s resolution following its final 2024 meeting at Aso Rock Villa. However, students and alumni immediately reacted with anger.

On Thursday, December 19, students rallied at the university’s main gate, holding placards with messages such as “The voice of men is the voice of God,” “We stand for UniAbuja,” and “Solve hunger problems, not renaming UniAbuja.”

Comrade Nkem Silas, President of the Students Union Government (SUG), urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the decision.

“Renaming the university can have psychological effects on students. We will formally express our concerns to the Federal Ministry of Education through the Vice Chancellor,” Silas said.

Prof Jeremiah Vambe, an alumnus and lecturer in the Department of Public Administration, also criticised the move.

“Renaming the university involves economic, legal, and psychological costs. The law establishing the University of Abuja must be amended to accommodate this change,” Vambe explained.

Comrade Adamu Abdulbasit, President of the Abuja Indigenous Students Association (AISA), proposed an alternative.

“Instead of renaming UniAbuja, the Federal Government should complete the abandoned University of Science & Technology in Abaji and name it after Ladi Kwali University, Abuja,” Abdulbasit suggested.

The protests highlight the growing discontent among students and stakeholders, who see the renaming as threatening the university’s identity and legacy.

Calls for a reversal are gaining momentum as the controversy unfolds.

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Education

UNIZIK lecturer killed in Anambra by suspected carjackers

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A lecturer of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has been murdered in an attack by yet-be-be-identified gunmen.

On Tuesday, Emmanuel Ojukwu, the UNIZIK spokesperson, confirmed the development to TheCable.

The victim has been identified as Fabian Osita Chinedu.

Tochukwu Ikenga, the state police PRO, said the UNIZK staff member was shot on Monday night at Aroma junction in Akwa.

Ikenga, who noted that the murderers made off with the victim’s car, said an investigation on the matter has already commenced.

“Information reveals that Mr. Fabian, a staff of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka was allegedly shot by unidentified gunmen yesterday 16th December 2024 at 10.10 pm at Aroma Junction,” he said in a statement.

“The murderers also made away with his car, a Toyota Corolla 2006 model, Ash colour with an Enugu Plate number, UWN 158 AS.”

Ikenga urged the public to come forward with any useful information that could aid the investigation.

“The command also urges members of the public who might have seen the vehicle or any abandoned vehicle with a similar description to report to the closest police station or call the command control room number,” he said.

A report quoted a witness as claiming that Fabian was blocked off by another vehicle whose occupants proceeded to gun down the lecturer when he came out of his car to protest.

Fabian Osita Chinedu hailed from Nteje in the Oyi local government area of Anambra.

He was a lecturer at a lecturer in at UNIZIK’s business administration department.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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