Federal Ministry of Education begins Commonwealth Scholarship interviews

The Federal Ministry of Education said nomination interviews for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan began on Monday in Abuja. Over 2,000 Nigerian applicants took part in face‑to‑face assessments that will be held in all six geopolitical zones.

A national panel of professors, scholars and retired education directors will evaluate the shortlisted candidates. The panel is instructed to uphold fairness, objectivity and professionalism and will recommend the strongest names to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for final award decisions.

Dr Folake Olatunji‑David, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, called the scholarship a strategic investment in human capital. She said selection will be based on academic merit, the quality of proposed study plans and the potential developmental impact of the candidates. Applicants must show how their programmes will provide practical solutions for national challenges and align with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative led by Minister of Education Dr Maruf Alausa and Minister of State for Education Prof Suwaiba Ahmad.

Mrs Khadijat Liman, Director of the Department of Scholarship Awards, noted that more than 2,000 applications were received through the Electronic Application System, reflecting growing interest in international postgraduate opportunities. She added that the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom invited the ministry to nominate qualified Nigerians, and that 56 Nigerian scholars began master’s and PhD programmes in the UK in September 2026.

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, established in 1959, has produced over 30,000 beneficiaries worldwide, including Nigerians who have contributed to tertiary education and other sectors. The ministry aims to present outstanding scholars who will sustain Nigeria’s reputation in the programme.