Nigerian Students Rated Tops In U.S., UK Universities

London – Beneficiaries of the Presidential
Scholarship Scheme studying in the U.S. and
UK have been rated among top grades by
their various universities.

It would be recalled that President Goodluck
Jonathan in 2012, established the scholarship
scheme for innovation and development in
order to further the education of students
with first class degrees to 25 top rated
universities in the world.

Prof. Julius Okojie, Executive Secretary of the
National Universities Commission said during
an interactive session with the students in
London, said he was glad that the scheme has
taken -off.

" The American system has a 4 point
maximum scale, most of our students are on
3.8 or 4 points which is very outstanding, and
no student has failed to transit from Masters
to PhD, this is also a good record.
" It means that this scheme itself shows that
the quality of our product is good,"he said.

Okojie who also doubles as the Chairman of
the Scheme, said that the performance of the
students were being monitored on a regular
basis" we monitor them and get reports from
their supervisors."

According to him no student has dropped out
of the programme since it began, noting that
such scheme is one of the administration's
best scholarship programmes.

While addressing concerns of delayed
allowances and entitlements raised by the
students, Okojie said that the issue was being
addressed by a new project implementation
strategy committee.
He tasked the student on the need to return
home upon completion of their studies" you
are the next generation , on completion of
your courses you are expected back to the
country".

" You are all expected to return back home to
contribute to nation building by bringing
innovations that will drive the economy,"
Okojie told the students.

Also speaking, Kunle Gbamgbose, Deputy
High Commissioner to the UK urged the
students to continue to strive for excellence
in their studies.

" You are Nigeria's testimony, you have done
well to have been selected, it is time to make
the nation proud. your success will determine
the continuity of the Programme."

He said that most developed nations invested
in their people and that was what Nigeria was
emulating in building the capacity of the
students .

" In spite of the challenges in the country,
Nigeria is the only place where you can be
honoured, there is the need for you to give
back to the society upon graduation," he said.

Some of the students who spoke expressed
gratitude for the opportunity to further their
education and promised to return home after
their studies.
Beneficiaries of the scheme in the UK are
studying various courses in five universities
namely the Universities of Oxford,
Cambridge , Edingburg and the University
College London as well as Imperial College.
(NAN).

Posted By David Aniemeka