The Registrar of the University of Ibadan, Mr Ganiyu O. Saliu, has reiterated the institution’s commitment to integrity in its admissions process, saying that it offers all applicants an equal opportunity to gain admission, similar to how the Chevening scholarship programme provides a chance for all qualified individuals to apply.
Mr Saliu made these remarks on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, during a courtesy visit by representatives of the British Deputy High Commission, Lagos.
He noted that the University of Ibadan is unique in that it considers the entire nation as its catchment area for undergraduate admissions, ensuring a merit-based selection process that is free from discrimination.
This, he said, is to further underscore the university’s longstanding reputation for integrity and fair play.
The Registrar noted that though the University of Ibadan Postgraduate College is the flagship of postgraduate studies in Nigeria, the institution would not discourage its students from taking advantage of such programmes as the Chevening scholarship in order to broaden their horizons given that everyone lives in a global world.
Mr. Saliu appreciated the British Deputy High Commission for selecting the University of Ibadan to foster a lasting partnership.
The Senior Political Adviser to the British Deputy High Commission, Mr. Adewale Adebajo, explained that their visit was to promote the Chevening scholarship among students interested in pursuing master’s degrees in the United Kingdom with full funding.
He assured that the Chevening scholarship is accessible not only to the elite but to all qualified candidates.
According to Mr Adebajo, the workshop which they had come to hold in UI, was part of a yearly Chevening initiative in Nigeria, which had previously reached the eastern and northern regions and is now aimed at raising awareness in the south west.
The Chevening Programme and Communications Officer, Mrs Boma Amieyeofori, explained that the Chevening scholarship has been active in Nigeria for over 40 years.
At a well-attended workshop which was held later, the Honourable Commissioner for Education in Oyo State, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, charged the students to take advantage of all opportunities to be better educated and more productive.
He advised them not to be deterred by setbacks but to see challenges as opportunities for self development.
The Dean of Students of the University of Ibadan, Professor Keye Abiona, urged the participants to take advantage of the provided opportunity to showcase themselves as worthy ambassadors, and the future of the University of Ibadan.
An Executive Advisor to the Oyo State Governor and former Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in Oyo State, Hon. Seun Fakorede, urged would-be Chevening scholars not to see the scholarship as an avenue to “japa” but rather as an opportunity to broaden their horizon on the global platform.
A current Ph.D. student of the University of Ibadan, Miss Grace Towobola, who had earlier benefited from the Chevening scholarship, recounted a memorable experience about her Chevening/UK study journey.
She urged participants at the workshop to take advantage of the opportunity, which she described as being very worthwhile and life-changing.
The Senior Political Advisor at the UK Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Mr Adebajo, spoke
about what the UK government does in Nigeria.
The Programme and Communications Officer, Mrs Boma Amieyeofori, spoke extensively on how to apply for the Chevening Scholarship, and participants were afforded the opportunity to ask questions.
