The British Council study centre, StudyUK alumni, have honoured exceptional former students of United Kingdom universities for their transformative contributions worldwide.

At a ceremony in Abuja, the body said the recognition underscored the strong academic and professional bonds between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, as well as the advancement of gender representation.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, underlined the British Council’s role in facilitating access to UK education for many Nigerians.

Speaking on the importance of boosting UK-Nigeria relations through academic excellence, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, submitted that Nigerians were among some of the most educated people on earth.

“The more we continue to recognise the talents in our country, the more we reinforce the fact that Nigerians are among the most educated people on this planet,” he added.

British Council Country Director in Nigeria, Donna McGowan, expressed her enthusiasm and commitment to enhancing collaborations between the UK and Nigeria.

Pointing to the quality and calibre of Nigerian UK graduates, Director of International Operations at the British Council, Charlie Walker, noted that though it was his first time visiting Nigeria, he is “particularly impressed by the calibre of people and talent present” at the programme.

According to StudyUK, this year’s celebration is a notable achievement for gender representation, as women emerged victorious in all the categories.

Also, the Director of Programmes at the British Council Nigeria, MrChikodiOnyemerela, highlighted the event’s broader implications, saying: “This occasion is not only about celebrating UK education but also recognising its positive impact on Nigeria.”