Nile Anderson, 26, is the 2024 Jamaica Rhodes Scholar. He was selected from a field of 11 candidates at King’s House on Thursday 9th November 2023. In making the announcement, Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, who headed the Selection Committee, expressed admiration for the caliber of candidates who vied for the prestigious Scholarship. Sir Patrick said, “It was a hard decision as all of the candidates demonstrated academic excellence and shared unique stories of triumph and resilience that represent the best of Jamaica…I am proud of every one of them.”
A past student of The Mannings School, Nile Anderson is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona, with a degree in Electronics Engineering and a focus on Industrial Automation. He intends to pursue further studies in Engineering Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. Commenting on his selection, Mr. Anderson, who appeared overwhelmed and surprised, said, “God is faithful… I am feeling really grateful and also hopeful beyond just receiving this scholarship. I have really seen a snapshot of what Jamaica has to offer in terms of academic excellence as I interacted with these other scholars. It was an amazing experience.”
Secretary to the Rhodes Scholarship Trust (Jamaica) Mariame McIntosh Robinson said, “We have had a fantastic day inspired by our young people; it has been a very difficult decision, but they show us why there are so many things right about our country and why our country is in great hands for the next generation.” The seven-member Selection panel had been comprised of, Mr. Peter Goldson, past Secretary of the Rhodes Scholarship Trust, Professor Densil Williams, Principal of the University of the West Indies, Dr. Nadiya Figueroa, Dean of Scholarships and Director of Leadership & Change at the Rhodes Trust, Dr. Kamille Adair Morgan, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. David Walcott, Immunologist and CEO CareerMD, and Mrs. McIntosh Robinson.
The Rhodes Scholarship is considered the most distinguished academic scholarship globally. Each year, 89 scholars are selected from 32 countries.