News

UK Reiterates Commitment To Free Education For Nigerian Students

Published

3 years ago

April 19, 2023

Editor

The United Kingdom Government on Wednesday said 50 Nigerians who were awarded scholarships through its Chevening Scholarship Programme have completed their courses.

Boma Amieyeofori, Chevening Programme and Communication Officer in Nigeria, made this known at the welcome ceremony for the Chevening scholars.

The scholars were hosted at the residence of the British Deputy High Commission, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chevening is a UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations.

The scholarships support study at UK universities, mostly a one-year taught master’s degree, for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers and opinion formers.

Amieyeofori said that the scholars were fully funded in their various scholarship programmes in the UK where they would get a world-class education with the intention of coming back to the country to make impact.

“We had over 8,000 Nigerians who applied for the scholarship and 50 scholars were selected which includes three people with disabilities.

“It is extremely important that people with disabilities are selected because the UK embraces all kinds of people as they are top priorities in all ramifications,” she said.

Amieyeofori noted that Chevening has over 50,000 alumni globally which helps in networking.

“A Chevening scholar is different from others because you get to meet an alumni network of over 50,000 people globally and 1,500 locally.

“This in turn helps and aids in networking which provides limitless careers and job opportunities,” she said.

In his remarks, Ben Llewelyn-Jones, British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, urged the scholars to take advantage of the opportunity.

“I urge all scholars to make use of this opportunity to have a positive impact on society.

“The skills acquired while in the UK should be used to build networks that would translate into creating positive lasting changes,” he said.

A beneficiary of the scholarship, Miss Janet Zagah, expressed her excitement at the completion of her master’s degree programme in the UK.

She commended the UK government for the skills set acquired while studying overseas.

“My experience was nothing short of breathtaking as I was able to acquire various skill sets during my one-year programme.

“I’m glad I was given the opportunity to further my studies in the UK and I would use the experience to impact the country in a positive way,” he said.

Mr Daniel Nwaeze, another beneficiary, noted that the experience gained would enable him to take his career to higher levels.

He noted that he would impact society positively with his skill set.

NAN reports that at the inception of the Chevening programme in 1984 in Nigeria, over 1,500 Nigerians benefited from the scholarship programme.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.