UI Reaffirms Commitment to Integrity in Admissions During Chevening Visit

The registrar of the University of Ibadan (UI), Ganiyu Saliu, has reaffirmed the institution's dedication to integrity in its admissions process during a recent courtesy visit from representatives of the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos. Saliu emphasized that the university offers all applicants equal opportunities for admission, paralleling the Chevening scholarship program's commitment to accessibility for qualified candidates.

Speaking on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale, Saliu highlighted that the University of Ibadan uniquely considers the entire nation as its catchment area for undergraduate admissions. This approach ensures a merit-based selection process, underscoring the university’s longstanding reputation for integrity and fairness.

Saliu also noted that while the University of Ibadan's Postgraduate College is the flagship of postgraduate studies in Nigeria, the institution encourages its students to pursue global opportunities like the Chevening scholarship, which broadens their educational horizons in an increasingly interconnected world.

Adewale Adebajo, the senior political adviser to the British Deputy High Commission, clarified that their visit aimed to promote the Chevening scholarship among students interested in pursuing master’s degrees in the United Kingdom with full funding. He assured attendees that the Chevening scholarship is accessible to all qualified individuals, not just the elite.

The workshop at UI was part of an annual Chevening initiative in Nigeria, which previously targeted the eastern and northern regions and now focuses on raising awareness in the southwest. Mrs. Boma Amieyeofori, the Chevening Programme and Communications Officer, noted that the scholarship has been active in Nigeria for over 40 years.

At the well-attended workshop, the Commissioner for Education in Oyo State, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, encouraged students to seize every opportunity for education and self-improvement. He urged them to view challenges as stepping stones to personal development.

Professor Keye Abiona, the Dean of Students at the University of Ibadan, urged participants to present themselves as worthy ambassadors and the future leaders of the university. Seun Fakorede, an Executive Adviser to the Oyo State Governor and former Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, reminded potential Chevening scholars to see the scholarship as a chance to broaden their global perspectives rather than simply an avenue to leave Nigeria.

Miss Grace Towobola, a current PhD student at UI and a former Chevening scholar, shared her transformative experience and encouraged attendees to leverage the opportunity, describing it as worthwhile and life-changing.

The workshop concluded with discussions led by Adewale Adebajo on the UK government's initiatives in Nigeria and Mrs. Boma Amieyeofori explaining the application process for the Chevening Scholarship, providing participants with a platform to ask questions and gain further insights.