Introduction
Higher education remains one of the most powerful tools for social mobility, economic empowerment, and national development. In Nigeria, however, the rising cost of university education—tuition, accommodation, textbooks, transportation, and daily living—has made undergraduate studies increasingly difficult for many families. Although public universities are subsidized, hidden costs and economic realities still place a heavy burden on students and parents.
This is where undergraduate scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026 play a critical role. Scholarships funded by the Nigerian government, multinational oil companies, banks, telecom firms, foundations, and private individuals continue to provide vital financial relief to deserving students across the country.
This guide provides an in-depth, up-to-date, Nigeria-focused overview of undergraduate scholarships available in 2026, including:
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Fully and partially funded scholarships
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Merit-based and need-based awards
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Federal, state, corporate, and private scholarships
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Eligibility requirements
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Application processes
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Official application links
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Practical tips to improve your chances
Whether you are a UTME candidate, a 100-level student, or already enrolled in a Nigerian university, this guide will help you identify and successfully apply for scholarships that can fund your education.
Understanding Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria
What Are Undergraduate Scholarships for Nigerian Students?
Undergraduate Scholarships for Nigerian students are financial awards designed to support individuals who are enrolled in or seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Unlike student loans, these scholarships do not require repayment and are awarded based on merit, need, or specific eligibility criteria.
Depending on the scholarship provider, Undergraduate Scholarships for Nigerian students may cover a range of expenses, such as:
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Tuition fees
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Accommodation costs
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Books and learning materials
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Monthly living stipends
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Research or final-year project support
These scholarships help reduce financial barriers and enable students to focus fully on their academic success.
Types of Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria
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Merit-Based Scholarships
Awarded based on academic excellence (CGPA, WAEC/JAMB scores). -
Need-Based Scholarships
Target students from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds. -
Field-Specific Scholarships
Focus on courses like engineering, medicine, law, education, or ICT. -
Indigene-Based Scholarships
Offered by state governments or foundations to indigenes only. -
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Scholarships
Funded by companies operating in Nigeria. -
Federal and State Government Scholarships
Administered through official scholarship boards.
Federal Government Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria (2026)
1. Federal Government Scholarship (Local)
The Federal Government of Nigeria Scholarship is administered by the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) under the Ministry of Education. It supports Nigerian undergraduates studying in recognized Nigerian institutions.
Eligibility
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Nigerian citizen
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Full-time undergraduate student in a public institution
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Minimum CGPA of 4.0/5.0 (or equivalent)
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Not benefiting from another government scholarship
Benefits
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Annual cash award
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Covers part of academic expenses
Application Link
🔗 https://fsb.education.gov.ng
2. Federal Government Bursary Award
This bursary is specifically designed for students studying Education-related courses in Nigerian institutions.
Eligibility
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Studying Education (B.Ed, B.Sc(Ed), etc.)
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Nigerian citizen
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Full-time student
Benefits
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Annual bursary payment
Application Link
🔗 https://education.gov.ng/federal-bursary-award/
Oil and Gas Company Scholarships in Nigeria
Oil and gas scholarships are among the most reliable and competitive undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria.
3. NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme
The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Undergraduate Scholarship supports high-performing students across Nigerian universities.
Eligibility
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100-level students in Nigerian universities
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Minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0
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Courses in science, engineering, medicine, and related fields
Benefits
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₦300,000 per academic year
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Renewable until graduation (subject to performance)
Application Link
🔗 https://www.nlng.com/Scholarship/Pages/default.aspx
4. NNPC / Chevron Joint Venture Scholarship
This scholarship is jointly funded by NNPC and Chevron Nigeria Limited.
Eligibility
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100- or 200-level students
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Studying engineering, medicine, law, or sciences
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Minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0
Benefits
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Annual financial grant
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Covers tuition and upkeep
Application Link
🔗 https://www.nnpcgroup.com/Community/Pages/Scholarship.aspx
5. Shell Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship
Offered by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo).
Eligibility
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Nigerian citizen
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Enrolled in a recognized Nigerian university
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Strong academic record
Benefits
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Annual scholarship award
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Mentorship opportunities
Application Link
🔗 https://www.shell.com.ng/sustainability/society-and-education/education-support.html
6. ExxonMobil Undergraduate Scholarship
A long-standing scholarship for Nigerian undergraduates in STEM fields.
Eligibility
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Engineering, geology, economics, and related disciplines
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100- or 200-level students
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High academic performance
Benefits
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Tuition support
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Monthly stipends
Application Link
🔗 https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/Community-engagement/Scholarships
Telecommunications and Banking Scholarships
7. MTN Foundation Scholarship Scheme
One of the largest private scholarships in Nigeria.
Categories
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MTN Science & Technology Scholarship
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MTN Blind Students Scholarship
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Top 10 UTME Scholarship
Eligibility
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Public university students
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CGPA from 3.0 upward (depending on category)
Benefits
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₦300,000 annually
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Laptop support (occasionally)
Application Link
🔗 https://www.mtn.ng/scholarships/
8. Access Bank Undergraduate Scholarship
Targeted at academically outstanding but financially disadvantaged students.
Eligibility
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Nigerian undergraduate
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Strong academic performance
Benefits
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Tuition support
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Mentorship
Application Link
🔗 https://www.accessbankplc.com/sustainability/education/
9. UBA Foundation National Essay Competition
Though essay-based, winners receive scholarship grants usable for undergraduate education.
Eligibility
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Nigerian secondary school students
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Essay competition winners transition to scholarship support
Application Link
🔗 https://www.ubagroup.com/foundation/national-essay-competition/
Private Foundations and Individual Scholarships
10. Jim Ovia Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
One of Nigeria’s most prestigious private scholarships.
Eligibility
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Nigerian citizen
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Admission into a Nigerian university
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Demonstrated financial need
Benefits
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Tuition
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Living expenses
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Renewable annually
Application Link
🔗 https://www.jimoviafoundation.org/education-scholarship/
11. Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship for indigent Nigerian students.
Eligibility
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Excellent academic record
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Proof of financial need
Benefits
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Annual cash award
Application Link
🔗 https://ganifawehinmifoundation.org/
12. Sani Bello Foundation Scholarship
Supports undergraduates from Northern Nigeria (with some national slots).
Benefits
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Tuition support
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Academic mentorship
Application Link
🔗 https://www.sanibellofoundation.org/
State Government Scholarships and Bursaries
Almost every Nigerian state runs a Scholarship Board.
Examples
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Lagos State Scholarship Board
🔗 https://lagosstate.gov.ng/scholarship/ -
Oyo State Scholarship Board
🔗 https://oyostate.gov.ng/scholarship/ -
Rivers State Scholarship Board
🔗 https://www.rssda.org/ -
Kwara State Scholarship Board
🔗 https://kwarastate.gov.ng/scholarship/
These scholarships usually require:
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Proof of state indigene certificate
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Admission into a Nigerian institution
How to Successfully Apply for Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria
Step 1: Start Early
Most scholarships open between January and September.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
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JAMB result
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Admission letter
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CGPA transcript
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Indigene certificate
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Passport photograph
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Personal statement
Step 3: Apply Only Through Official Links
Avoid agents or payment requests.
Step 4: Track Deadlines
Late applications are automatically disqualified.
Common Reasons Students Lose Scholarships
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Incomplete applications
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Fake documents
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Low CGPA after award
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Applying for multiple conflicting government scholarships
Scholarship Scam Warning
No genuine Nigerian scholarship requires:
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Application fees
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WhatsApp payments
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Bank transfers to individuals
Always apply via official websites only.
Final Thoughts
The availability of undergraduate scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026 proves that lack of money does not have to end academic dreams. With proper research, preparation, and persistence, Nigerian students can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost of university education.
Bookmark official scholarship portals, maintain strong academic performance, and apply every year you are eligible. Many successful scholars today were rejected multiple times before winning.
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