Femi Owolabi, TheCable’s former investigations head, wins Chevening scholarship

Femi Owolabi, former head of investigations at TheCable, has been awarded the Chevening scholarship for a master’s degree in the UK.

The scholarship, which is awarded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), is valued at over £30,000 for the academic year.

Chevening scholarships are awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to become future leaders, and can show how a UK master’s degree will help them to create positive change in society.

This year, the UK received 10,750 applications from Nigeria. Owolabi was one of 32 select scholars.

The journalist, who joined Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation (CNJF) as pioneer head of investigations in 2017, left in November 2022 upon his appointment as senior special assistant on policy, research and documentation to Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti.

Richard Montgomery, British high commissioner to Nigeria, said the programme equips scholars with the skills they need to make a real difference in their countries.

“If you are passionate about driving change, whether on a local or global scale, if you want to be the best at what you do and have the imagination to inspire others, then a Chevening scholarship could be the perfect opportunity for you,” Montgomery said.

“There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ scholar. Your age, race, gender, religion, and cultural background do not matter to us. We want to see that you have energy, curiosity, compassion, a clear vision for your future, and the ability to achieve your goals.”

Owolabi has a background in chemical engineering and political science and has received local and international awards, including the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigating Reporting, PwC Media Excellence Award, and a finalist for the Free Pens for Democracy award in France.

Owolabi will be going to the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex for a master’s in governance, development and public policy.

“My career trajectory has witnessed notable highlights and recognitions. My professional journey, first as a researcher, then as an author, later as an investigative journalist, and now as a public policy practitioner, has been greatly fulfilling but I could say that securing a Chevening scholarship represents the capstone of my professional journey so far,” Owolabi said.

“I feel truly honoured to have been selected as a Chevening scholar in a highly competitive process. I must deeply appreciate the British government, the selection committee, my referees, and mentors for making this possible.

“I want to particularly thank His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State, my principal, for his support and guidance.

“I appreciate Mr. Simon Kolawole, our pioneer in this Chevening dream, whose accomplishments and mentorship have continued to pave the way for many young people.

“I also thank Anuoluwapo Adelakun and Mayowa Tijani, my colleagues, who walked with me through the application process.

“I look forward to a life of scholarship and robust intellectual engagements at the University of Sussex, and long for a career of greater impact upon my return to the country.”

Kolawole, founder and CEO of TheCable Newspaper; Adelakun, pioneer video director of TheCable; and Tijani, TheCable editor-at-large; are all former recipients of the scholarship.

Some notable Nigerians who were also previous Chevening scholars include John Momoh, president and chairman of Channels TV; Habibat Lawal, former acting secretary to the government of the federation; Adesola Adeduntan, former CEO of First Bank Nigeria Limited; late Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Bank; and Mausi Segun, executive director at Human Rights Watch.