ABUJA — About thirty tertiary institutions in Nigeria would be competing in the Commonwealth scholarship award debate.
The Commonwealth Society Ambassador for Nigeria, Ambassador Patricia Yakubu told journalists at the Commonwealth Day celebration with the theme ‘Delivering a Common Future’ in Abuja that this year’s celebration focuses on tertiary institutions.
Yakubu said six schools would be chosen to participate in the debate at the African level after the competition in Nigeria, the winners would proceed for the finals at the global level.
“The significance of this celebration today is a celebration that is done all over the 54 Commonwealth Countries. So in every year celebration, we bring up a program that binds us together as Commonwealth countries.
“This year’s event is focusing on tertiary institutions, it brings young ones together from tertiary institutions, they conduct debates amongst them to bring out their talents. Most of these young ones end up getting the Commonwealth scholarship to study abroad”, she said.
In ger remark, the Secretary-General of Commonwealth Society of Nigeria, Prince Musa Abutu said in the last year’s edition of the scholarship award exercise five Nigerian students were awarded scholarships.
“The first edition of this scholarship award was held last year in Abuja, and 5 schools emerged winners where they presented 3 students each for the scholarship which qualified them to the African level competition.
“At the final level, which is global, we had 5 students from Nigeria who were given scholarships.
“This year, 30 schools will participate in the scholarship competition, 5 institutions will be picked to participate in the competition at the African level”, he said.
In her message, Queen Elizabeth II said “Today, it is rewarding to observe a modern, vibrant and connected Commonwealth that combines a wealth of history and tradition with the great social, cultural and technological advances of our time. That the Commonwealth stands ever taller is a credit to all those who have been involved.
The message which was delivered by Ambassador Yakubu further stated that “we are nourished and sustained by our relationships and, throughout my life, I have enjoyed the privilege of hearing what the relationships built across the great reach and diversity of the Commonwealth have meant to people and communities.
“Our family of nations continues to be a point of connection, cooperation and friendship. It is a place to come together to pursue common goals and the common good, providing everyone with the opportunity to serve and benefit.
“In these testing times, it is my hope that you can draw strength and inspiration from what we share, as we work together towards a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for all.
“And on this special day for our family – in a year that will include the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the Commonwealth”.
