Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria

There are numerous Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria, but it seems most Nigerian students don’t know these scholarships exist or how to get one.

For many years, various organizations, including the government, have launched many scholarship opportunities to help outstanding Nigerian students reach their goals through quality education.

These scholarships provide a critical lifeline for many students who aspire to earn a degree but are constrained by financial limitations. The scholarships not only ease the burden of tuition fees but also open doors to quality education, networking, and career opportunities.

If you’re a Nigerian student looking for financial aid or a parent seeking support for your child’s education, this article explores everything you need to know about securing undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria in 2025.

What Are Undergraduate Scholarships?

Undergraduate scholarships are financial aid packages awarded to students pursuing their first degree at a university or higher institution. These scholarships can be fully-funded, partially-funded, or provide stipends for tuition, books, or accommodation.

Scholarships in Nigeria are typically awarded based on:

• Academic merit
• Financial need
• Community service or leadership
• Course of study
• Special talent or extracurricular achievements

Types of Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria

There are several categories of scholarships available to Nigerian undergraduates, including:

Federal and State Government Scholarships

These are scholarships provided by the Nigerian government to promote education and development across states.

• Federal Government Scholarships (via Federal Ministry of Education): Offered yearly to students in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
• State Scholarships: Many states like Lagos, Rivers, Delta, and Anambra offer scholarships to their indigenes.

Oil and Gas Industry Scholarships

Several multinational companies in the oil and gas sector offer scholarships to Nigerian students as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

• NNPC/SEPLAT Scholarship
• NEPL/OERNL JV Tertiary Scholarship
• Shell Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship
• Addax Petroleum Scholarship

Private and NGO Scholarships

These scholarships are offered by private individuals, foundations, religious institutions, and NGOs. Notable examples include:

• MTN Foundation Scholarship
• Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship
• David Oyedepo Foundation Scholarship
• Tony Elumelu Foundation (via entrepreneurship initiatives)

Institutional Scholarships

Many Nigerian universities offer scholarships to their students based on merit or need. Universities like the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Covenant University, and Afe Babalola University, e.t.c.

Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

The scholarships below are available to Nigerian undergraduate students. Read carefully and apply for the one that you are eligible for:

The NWAG Nigerian Scholarship is a highly regarded annual scholarship program designed to support female undergraduates in Nigerian universities. It is one of the few scholarships in Nigeria that specifically targets women’s empowerment through education.

NWAG Nigerian Scholarship

NWAG stands for Nigerian Women Association of Georgia.

This scholarship is offered to female undergraduate students enrolled in recognized tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This association awards $300 to successful candidates annually.

Undergraduates from all the states in Nigeria are eligible to apply for this scholarship, but only one student will be selected for the scholarship per state.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

1. Be a female Nigerian citizen.
2. Currently enrolled in a Nigerian university (any field of study).
3. Be in good academic standing (you may be asked to provide your academic transcript or results).
4. Submit all required documents and essays before the deadline.

Scholarship Requirements

• Proof of state of origin (official letter or certificate)

• A recent passport photograph

• Photocopy of a valid student ID card

• Current university transcript or official result

• A typed essay (typically two essays are required, the general essay and personal essay)

How to Apply for NWAG Scholarship

• Visit the official NWAG website or follow them on Facebook for announcements: http://www.nwag.org

• Download and fill out the application form (usually provided in PDF or Word format).
• Prepare and attach all required documents and essays.
• Send your application via email to the designated NWAG scholarship address or by post (details are provided in the application packet each year).

MTN Scholarship

The MTN Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious initiative aimed at supporting high-achieving Nigerian undergraduates in public tertiary institutions. Established in 2010, the program has benefited over 14,000 students across the country.

The MTN Foundation offers three main scholarship categories:

1. MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (MTN STS)
   Designed for 300-level students pursuing Science and Technology-related courses in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Eligible students must have completed their second semester 200-level examinations and be progressing to 300 level or currently in 300 level. A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale (or its equivalent) is required.
2. MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (MTN SBS)
   Targeted at visually impaired students in 200 and 300 levels across all disciplines in public tertiary institutions. For blind students studying Law, only those in the 300 level are eligible. Applicants must maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.5 to qualify.
3. Top 10 UTME Scholarships
   Since 2020, this category automatically awards scholarships to the top 10 scoring candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as announced by JAMB. Recipients receive the scholarship from their 100 level through to graduation, provided they meet the grade requirements. This scholarship is awarded irrespective of the successful candidates’ preferred course of study or tertiary institution, public or private, in Nigeria.

How to Apply

• Visit the Official Portal: Access the MTN Foundation Scholarship application portal at https://apps.mtn.ng/scholarships/.​

• Select Scholarship Category: Choose the appropriate scholarship category (STS or SBS) based on your eligibility.​

• Fill in Personal Information: Provide accurate personal details, including your full name, date of birth, email address, and phone number.

• Upload Passport Photograph: Upload a recent passport photograph (not older than three months)

• UTME information: Year of admission, mode of admission, and UTME registration number.

• Institution details: Name of institution, course of study, matriculation number, current academic level, course duration, and current CGPA.

• High school information: Name of high school, number of sittings used to gain admission, and O-level grades.​

• Enter Next of Kin Details: Provide information about your next of kin.​

• Review and Submit: Carefully review all entered information and uploaded documents. Once satisfied, submit your application. Note that submitting multiple applications may lead to disqualification.

NNPC/SEPLAT Scholarship

The NNPC/SEPLAT Scholarship is awarded to deserving undergraduate students of Federal and State Universities in Nigeria.

The SEPLAT scholarship promotes educational development and human capacity building by providing yearly grants to successful applicants to complete their degree programmes.

This scholarship is available to students enrolled in Accountancy, Agriculture, Architecture, Business Admistration, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering/Science, Economics, Electricsl/Electronic Engineering, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geophysics, Law, Mass Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, Metallurgical Engineering, Ophthalmology/Optometry, and Petroleum Engineering.

NNPC/SEPLAT Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• Be in their second year of study or above.
• Have at least 5 O-level credit passes (English & Mathematics inclusive) at one sitting.
• Have a CGPA of 3.5 and above.

How to apply

• Application is FREE
• Eligible students must complete and submit an online application form, which can be accessed at https://register.seplatscholarship.com
• All applicants are expected to have a valid personal email account for ease of communication.
• Only the shortlisted applicants will be notified. 
• Applications are subject to SEPLAT JV Scholarship Award Terms and Conditions.

NEPL/OERNL JV Tertiary Scholarship

The NEPL/OERNL Joint Venture (JV) Tertiary Scholarship is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (OERNL). This program aims to support academically outstanding Nigerian undergraduates by alleviating financial barriers to higher education.

The scholarship offers two distinct categories:

Host/Transit Communities Merit Award: Exclusively for indigenes from Oando’s host or transit communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Imo States

National Merit Award: Open to students from other parts of Nigeria pursuing degrees in Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, or Agricultural Sciences.​

Scholarship Eligibility

• Be full-time 100-level undergraduates in a Nigerian public tertiary institution.
• Not be beneficiaries of any other scholarship program
• Not be children or wards of Oando or NNPC staff.
• For the National Merit Award: Be enrolled in Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, or Agricultural Sciences.​
• For the Host/Transit Communities Merit Award: Provide proof of indigene status from the specified communities

How To Apply

• Visit the official scholarship portal: Scholastica.
• Register and create an account.
• Log in with your credentials.
• Fill in the application form with accurate information
• Upload the required documents as specified.
• Review your application thoroughly before submission.

Shell Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship

The Shell Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship is a merit-based program established by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and other joint venture partners.

This initiative aims to promote academic excellence and support the educational aspirations of Nigerian undergraduates.

The scholarship is offered in two main categories:

• National Merit Award (NM): Open to all Nigerian undergraduates enrolled in accredited universities across the country.
• Areas of Operation Merit Award (AOM): Specifically for students from communities where Shell operates.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• Be Nigerian citizens
• Be registered as full-time undergraduates in an accredited Nigerian university
• Be in their second year of study (200 level) at the time of application
• Have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.5 on a 5-point scale
• Possess a minimum of five credits, including Mathematics and English, in their O-Level results.
• Not be beneficiaries of any other scholarship from an entity in the oil and gas industry, whether national or international.

How To Apply

• Visit the Official Scholarship Portal
• Register and Activate Account: Click on “Register” to create an account using a valid personal email address. Proceed to your email to activate the account.​
• Complete the Application Form: Log in with your credentials, fill in the required personal and educational information, and upload the necessary documents.​
• Review and Submit: Ensure all information and documents are accurate and clear. Apply through the portal.​
• Confirmation: After submission, you will receive an email and SMS confirming the successful application.​

Federal Government Scholarship

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) under the Ministry of Education, offers the Nigerian Scholarship Award (NSA) and the Education Bursary Award (EBA) for the 2025/2026 academic session. These programs aim to support academically outstanding Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions by alleviating financial barriers to higher education.​

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

For NSA Applicants:

• Must be registered full-time students in their second year or above at a federal or state university, polytechnic, monotechnic, or college of education.​
• Undergraduate applicants, including persons with disabilities, must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0 on a 5-point scale or 5.0 on a 7-point scale.​
• HND applicants must have a CGPA of 3.5 and above on a 4.0 scale.
• Postgraduate applicants should possess a minimum of a first degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division and be registered full-time students at a federal or state university

For EBA Applicants:

• Must be registered full-time students studying Education in Nigerian colleges of education and universities.​fsbn.com.ng
• Must be in their second year or above.​
• Applicants, including persons with disabilities, must not be beneficiaries of any other scholarship.​

Common Challenges Faced by Scholarship Applicants in Nigeria

While undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria can unlock incredible educational opportunities, many deserving students are unable to benefit from them due to some challenges. Understanding these obstacles can help students take proactive steps and avoid falling behind.

Here are four major challenges Nigerian students face when applying for scholarships:

1. Lack of Information or Awareness

Many students miss out on scholarships simply because they don’t know these opportunities exist. Some are unaware of where or how to search for them, while others don’t know the eligibility requirements or application deadlines. This lack of information is common in rural or underserved communities.

If you don’t know a scholarship exists, you can’t apply for it, no matter how qualified you are.

Always check trusted educational websites, follow scholarship pages on social media, subscribe to scholarship newsletters, and stay connected to school bulletin boards. Guidance counselors and student affairs units can also be valuable sources of information.

2. Internet Access Issues for Online Applications

Most scholarships now require online applications. However, many Nigerian students, especially those in rural or underserved areas, struggle with slow or unreliable internet connections, limited data, or a lack of access to smartphones or computers.

Poor internet access disrupts the application process, uploading documents, or meeting tight deadlines.

Some students even abandon applications halfway due to failed uploads or website timeouts. Seek out cybercafés with stable connections, or use school ICT centers if available.

You can also plan to avoid last-minute rushes that rely heavily on fast internet. Consider downloading forms during off-peak hours and completing them offline before uploading.

3. Fraudulent or Fake Scholarship Schemes

The internet is full of fake scholarship websites designed to scam unsuspecting students. These schemes often ask for application fees, personal details, or bank information under the pretense of offering financial aid.

Be skeptical of any scholarship that asks for payment or “processing fees.” Always verify the scholarship’s authenticity through official channels such as the sponsor’s official website, the Ministry of Education, or reputable educational platforms like NigerianScholars.com or OpportunityDesk.org.

4. High Competition for Limited Slots

With millions of undergraduates in Nigeria and only a limited number of scholarship slots available, competition is fierce. Even if you meet all the requirements, hundreds, sometimes thousands, of other students do too.

The limited number of winners means only the most outstanding or well-prepared candidates get selected. Many deserving students are left out, not due to a lack of qualifications, but because of the sheer volume of applicants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships

To give yourself the best chance of success, you should avoid these common mistakes when applying for scholarships, whether local or international scholarships

1. Submitting Incomplete Applications

An incomplete application is one of the top reasons why students get disqualified. This occurs when important sections of the form are left blank or when required documents (such as academic transcripts, passport photographs, or identification) are missing.

Scholarship committees often receive thousands of applications and have no time to chase applicants for missing information. An incomplete application is usually rejected automatically.

Double-check your application before submitting. Use a checklist to ensure all fields are filled and all required documents are uploaded or attached.

2. Missing Deadlines

Deadlines are non-negotiable in most scholarship programs. Once the deadline passes, applications are closed, and late submissions are not reviewed, regardless of how qualified you are.

Missing a deadline means losing the chance completely, you’ll have to wait until the next application cycle.

Set reminders on your phone or calendar. Start your application early enough to allow time for document gathering, writing essays, and review. Don’t wait until the last day to apply.

3. Using a Poorly Written Essay or Personal Statement

Many scholarships require an essay or personal statement to evaluate your motivation, goals, and suitability. A poorly written essay, full of grammar errors, vague content, or generic responses, can ruin your chances even if your grades are excellent.

Your essay is your voice; it helps you stand out. A weak essay reflects a lack of effort or seriousness and may be interpreted as carelessness.

Take time to craft a clear, focused, and personalized essay. Use Grammarly or other tools to check grammar, and have someone (like a teacher or mentor) review it before submission.

4. Ignoring the Scholarship Terms and Conditions

Every scholarship has specific requirements and terms, such as eligible courses, levels, universities, or age limits. Many students apply blindly without reading the full criteria and get disqualified automatically.

Applying when you’re not eligible is a waste of time and reduces your credibility in future applications.

Read all instructions and eligibility criteria thoroughly. Don’t assume; always confirm whether you meet all the listed requirements.

5. Applying Without Required Documents

Scholarships often request specific documents like WAEC results, JAMB admission letters, student ID cards, and state of origin certificates. Omitting these documents makes your application incomplete.

Without the required documents, there’s no way to verify your eligibility or academic status, so your application is unlikely to be considered.

Prepare a folder (physical or digital) with all commonly required documents. Before submitting, recheck that all requested files are attached and clearly labeled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

These are the popular and most recommended scholarships available to undergraduate students in Nigeria. You don’t have to drop out because of financial constraints. If you lack the finances to continue your studies, try applying for any scholarships listed in this article, and pray and hope for a better outcome.

Before applying for any scholarship, ensure you meet the criteria and have all the required documents; it’s the only way to secure a spot for yourself.

Don’t just apply for a scholarship without making sure everything is in order.

Recommended

How to Get a Scholarship in South Africa – Top 10 Simple Scholarship Tips

Scholarship For International Students in Finland 

Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Undergraduate Students

Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Hungary- Apply Now!

Fully Funded Scholarships in Sweden for International Students

How to Get Scholarships in the USA for International Students

12 Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia For International Students

Government Scholarships for College Students in the Philippines – APPLY NOW!