If you are from Nigeria, you already know how it is; the economy isn’t student-friendly, but knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference. We’ll walk you through practical steps to secure a scholarship that will help fund your undergraduate programme.
There are so many scholarships that students don’t know about; they probably lack exposure and good coaching. So, instead of waiting for someone to help you out, sometimes pick up your phone and do a little research.
WE KNOW! You can never trust any online portal because of the level of scammers these days. Let us do the work for you.
No fear, at-all-at-all, THE GOVERNMENT WON’T SCAM YOU!
Table of Contents
Some Popular Scholarships in Nigeria
“Gee, please read well the information below well-well.”
1. Federal Government Scholarships (Federal Ministry of Education – Federal Scholarship Board)
The Federal Scholarship Board (FSB), under the Federal Ministry of Education, manages both domestic and foreign scholarships. It formulates policies and awards for both undergraduates and postgraduates through bilateral (BEA) and multilateral (e.g. Commonwealth) agreements.
Programs Offered:
- Bilateral Education Agreements (BEA) – scholarships to partner countries such as Russia, Hungary, Egypt, and others.
- Commonwealth Scholarships – postgraduate opportunities under established Commonwealth arrangements.
- Presidential Special Scholarship for Innovation and Development (PRESSID) – targeted programs for high-achieving students.
- NYSC Ex-Corps Scholarship – for former Corps members.
Eligibility & Process
- Selection is typically based on academic merit and government partnerships.
- Contact through FSB in Abuja for application timelines and procedures
- Official Website: https://fsbn.com.ng/scholarships
2. PTDF Scholarships (Petroleum Technology Development Fund)
It focused on developing the human capacity for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector in engineering, environmental, energy, and geological sciences, either locally or abroad.
Program Types:
- Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) – Supports MSc and PhD studies abroad (e.g., UK, Germany, France, Malaysia), covering flight tickets, tuition, accommodation, allowances, and health insurance
PTDF Scholarship Portal - Local Scholarship Scheme (LSS) – Covers undergraduate, MSc, and PhD studies at selected PTDF-upgraded Nigerian institutions.
- ULSETP – “Train-the-Trainer” programs for university lecturers to enhance teaching and research capabilities.
- Industry-Based Training – For professionals in oil & gas institutions like DPR, PTI, etc.
Application Criteria:
- MSc Applicants: 2.1 first degree (or 2.2 with experience), NYSC completion, 5 O-level credits, NIN verification, statement of purpose, transcripts, etc.
- PhD Applicants: Similar plus research proposal, proof of no existing sponsorship, etc.
ptdf.gov.ng - Undergraduates (LSS): 200-level students in relevant courses with a CGPA not less than 3.0, transcripts, admission letter, indigeneship certificate, and often includes a laptop plus N500,000/yr or higher
Deadlines & Portal
- Weekly updates on the PTDF portal and notification channels
- Official Website: https://scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng/
3. NNPC/Total, Agbami, and Chevron Scholarships
Agbami Scholarship is sponsored by Star Deep and partners. This targets 100-level and 200-level undergraduates in medical or engineering fields in Nigerian institutions. It typically includes one-time financial support
NNPC/Total (Agbami included)
Notable oil majors like NNPC, Total, Agbami, and Chevron also offer scholarships, often targeted at secondary or tertiary students, particularly in their host communities.
For example, NLNG offers post-primary scholarships, and TEPNG supports secondary students.
“We no get too much information on this, but gee use your phone.”
4. MTN Foundation Scholarships
MTN provides three key scholarship categories:
- Science & Technology Scholarship (STS) – For 300-level STEM students in public tertiary institutions; awards ₦300,000/yr (increased from ₦200k in 2024) for up to 300 students, renewable until graduation with satisfactory CGPA.
- Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS) – For blind students in 200 & 300 levels (any course); since 2024, 100 recipients receive ₦300,000 yearly, renewable.
- Top 10 UTME Scorers Scholarship – Automatic award to the top 10 UTME candidates (since 2020), regardless of institution; ₦300,000 yearly until graduation, subject to CGPA performance.
Since its inception, MTN has awarded 13,717 scholarships to 4,949 scholars, amounting to over ₦3 billion Global South Opportunities.
Application Timeline:
- 2025 applications closed April 25, 2025
- Expect similar timing annually, but always check the portal.
- Official Website: https://www.mtn.ng/scholarships/
5. State Government & University-Based Scholarships
There are also different scholarships given to intelligent students by both the federal government and the universities of Nigeria for indigenes.
State Scholarships:
Most Nigerian states offer bursaries and scholarships via scholarship boards or educational agencies.
EXAMPLES:
- Lagos State – Scholarship board provides local and foreign awards to indigenes; eligibility often includes CGPA thresholds and LASSRA confirmation. SEE – https://lagosstate.gov.ng/
- Kano, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers – Offer local/postgraduate programs funding, some include overseas scholarships or student loans (e.g., Bayelsa’s Education Development Trust Fund and Youth Loan Board).
- Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, etc. – Offer merit-based, need-based, disability, health-related, or athlete-specific scholarships. E.g., Akwa Ibom supports 500 indigent but intelligent students with ₦200,000/yr; Kaduna offers various forms of support, including overseas opportunities
NIGERIAN FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://education.gov.ng/federal-scholarships/
University-Based Funding
Some universities and foundations (e.g., Bayelsa State’s free primary/secondary model boarding schools) are not strictly scholarships but represent government support.
Specialised funding may also be managed directly by universities (e.g., student research/endowment funds).
“Dear Nigerian student, no dull o, just try multiple scholarships at once and see how it goes. Don’t say we didn’t do anything for you o, Oya! Welcome.”
