For many Nigerian students, the biggest barrier to higher education is financial constraints. Tuition fees, accommodation, books, and living expenses can make university education seem out of reach.

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However, what many students don’t realize is this:

There are hundreds of scholarships available for Nigerian undergraduate students every year, both locally and internationally.

These scholarships range from:

Fully funded (tuition + living expenses)
Partial funding (tuition only)
Merit-based and need-based awards

In this guide, you’ll discover:

The best scholarships Nigerian students can apply for
Eligibility requirements
How to apply successfully
Hidden opportunities most students ignore
Proven strategies to increase your chances

Understanding Scholarships for Nigerian Students

Before diving into the list, let’s clarify the types of scholarships available.

1. Fully Funded Scholarships

These cover:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Feeding
Travel (sometimes)
Monthly allowance

2. Partial Scholarships

These may cover:

Only tuition
Or part of expenses

3. Merit-Based Scholarships

Awarded based on:

Academic excellence
Leadership
Achievements

4. Need-Based Scholarships

Focused on:

Financial hardship

5. Government & Corporate Scholarships

Top Scholarships Available for Nigerian Undergraduate Students

1. MTN Foundation Scholarship

Overview

One of the most popular scholarships in Nigeria.

Benefits

₦200,000 annually
Renewable until graduation

Eligibility

Nigerian undergraduate students
Minimum CGPA of 3.5 (Second Class Upper)
Science & technology courses preferred

Why It’s Important

Reliable funding
Thousands of beneficiaries yearly

2. NNPC / Shell Petroleum Development Company Scholarship

Overview

A collaboration between government and oil companies.

Benefits

₦150,000 – ₦200,000 annually

Eligibility

Nigerian citizens
Full-time undergraduate students

Popular Variants

NNPC/Shell
NNPC/Total
NNPC/Chevron

3. Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship

Overview

Funded by oil companies like Chevron.

Benefits

Covers tuition and allowances

Eligibility

Medicine
Engineering students

4. Federal Government Scholarship Scheme

Overview

Run by the Federal Ministry of Education.

Benefits

Financial support for students

Eligibility

Academic excellence
Nigerian citizenship

5. Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship

Overview

One of the biggest private scholarships in Nigeria.

Benefits

Full tuition coverage

Eligibility

High academic performance

6. David Oyedepo Foundation Scholarship

Overview

Targets African students.

Benefits

Full tuition
Accommodation

Partner Schools

Covenant University
Landmark University

7. Seplat Energy Scholarship

Overview

Highly competitive oil company scholarship.

Benefits

₦150,000+ yearly

8. NNPC/Total Scholarship

Benefits

Annual financial support

Why It’s Popular

Large number of beneficiaries

9. Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship

Overview

Focused on:

Underprivileged students

Benefits

Financial support

10. PTDF Scholarship

Overview

Mainly for:

Petroleum-related fields

International Scholarships Available to Nigerian Undergraduates

1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Benefits

Full tuition
Accommodation
Travel

Partner Universities

University of Toronto
African universities

2. DAAD Scholarship

Overview

German government scholarship.

3. Commonwealth Scholarship

Benefits

Fully funded study in the UK

4. Chevening Scholarship

Note

Mostly postgraduate but important for planning ahead.

5. Fulbright Program

Benefits

Study in the United States

Hidden Scholarships Many Nigerians Ignore

1. University-Specific Scholarships

Many universities offer:

Internal scholarships
Fee reductions

2. NGO Scholarships

Small organizations provide:

Local funding

3. Religious Organization Scholarships

Churches and mosques often support students.

4. State Government Scholarships

Each state offers:

Scholarships for indigenes

How to Apply for Scholarships Successfully

Step 1: Prepare Early

Start before:

Admission
Or early in 100 level

Step 2: Build Strong Academic Records

Most scholarships require:

CGPA 3.5+

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Common Requirements:

Admission letter
Transcript
O’Level results
Identification

Step 4: Write a Strong Personal Statement

Must Include:

Your goals
Your achievements
Why you deserve it

Step 5: Apply to Multiple Scholarships

Don’t rely on one.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying

Applying Late

Ignoring Instructions

Submitting Incomplete Documents

Poor Personal Statements

Not Applying at All

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning Scholarships

1. Maintain High CGPA

Academic excellence is key.

2. Develop Leadership Skills

Join:

Clubs
Organizations

3. Volunteer

Shows:

Impact
Responsibility

4. Apply Every Year

Consistency increases chances.

5. Stay Updated

Follow:

Scholarship websites
Social media updates

Best Time to Apply for Scholarships in Nigeria

January – April → Most oil company scholarships
May – August → Government scholarships
Year-round → Private scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I get a full scholarship as a Nigerian undergraduate?

Yes, through programs like:

Mastercard Foundation
David Oyedepo Foundation

2. What CGPA is required for scholarships?

Usually:

3.0 – 4.5 (depending on scholarship)

3. Are there scholarships for 100-level students?

Yes, many scholarships target:

Fresh students

4. Can I combine multiple scholarships?

Sometimes, depending on the rules.

5. Are scholarships free?

Yes. Avoid scams asking for payment.

Conclusion

Scholarships are one of the most powerful opportunities available to Nigerian students, yet many fail to take advantage of them.

The truth is:

There is enough scholarship money available—but only for students who are informed, prepared, and proactive.

If you:

Apply early
Stay consistent
Build your academic and personal profile

You can fund your entire education without financial stress.