Chevening, Commonwealth fellowships: UK High Commissioner urges scholars to strengthen bilateral ties.

The diplomat said the scholarships are not only about academic advancement but also about building lasting relationships between nations. 

He said while bilateral relations are often understood through government-to-government links, the most lasting connections come from people. H.E Woods encouraged the scholars to be confident in their abilities. 

“You’ve been chosen because you are smart, capable, interesting, curious people. I know you’re going to do a great job with your studies,” the High Commissioner noted. He disclosed that the 2026-2027 cycle of scholarships are already open.

Commonwealth minister hails quality of scholars

The Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Felix Mbayu, who attended the party, praised the quality of the scholars.

“Our universities produce students of high quality. Most of them will come back with the qualifications they went for, with very good grades,” Minister Mbayu enthused.

He said the scholars are joining a global network of individuals who would contribute to their country's development.

About 2025 Cohort

​The Communication and Chevening Officer at the British High Commission, Mireille Djob, revealed that this year, 15 Cameroonians were awarded fully funded scholarships under the two UK Government programmes. 

According to her, there are eight Chevening scholars all pursuing masters degrees, and seven Commonwealth scholars, six of whom are pursuing masters degrees and one of them pursuing a PhD. 

Their studies, Djob said, are in areas such as energy law, public health, climate and nature, sustainable agriculture, cancer research, and development communication.

Djob further detailed that the Chevening programme targets individuals who are eager to drive change. She advised prospective applicants not to use Artificial Intelligence for their essays and to focus on networking, career, studies and knowing the UK. According to Djob, a notable highlight of the 2025 cohort is that 10 of the 15 are female.

Enter scholars 

Amongst the Chevening scholars is Vera Timi Epse Assagaya, who will study Energy and Climate Change Law at Queen Mary University of London. 

As a barrister and solicitor, she said there is a limited number of lawyers in Cameroon's energy sector, particularly women. She said her motivation was to address the gap and emphasised the importance of climate action.

Assagaya furthered that upon her return, she intends to mentor other lawyers in energy law, as well as to collaborate with international investors in renewable energy.

Boning Ngueko Nervis on his part will pursue a Master of Science in Cancer Molecular Biology and Therapeutics at the University of Leicester. 

Boning explained that his intention is to gain skills so as to develop new treatments for cancer, a disease he noted is under-researched in a continent struggling with others like malaria. 

Journalist Emmanuella Wvemnyuy will study for a Master of Arts in Communication, Media and Development at Loughborough University London. 

She told reporters that she chose the course to help local authorities develop communication strategies that reflect the priorities of the population, rather than implementing pre-packaged plans that may not suit local needs.

Among the Commonwealth scholars, Claude Emmanuella Djomgoue Metsam expressed her excitement to study for a Master of Science in Public Health at the University of Bristol. 

She said the venture will enable her acquire the necessary skills to contribute to her country's health sector.

On his part, Nelson Ajua who will study a Master of Science in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Chester hopes this field will lead to a career in medical research.

Another Commonwealth scholar, Leticia Senge Imbia, who will study Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security at the Royal Agricultural University stated that her mission is to ensure Cameroonians have safe and sufficient food for generations to come. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3558 of Monday September 08, 2025