University education in Nigeria is expensive. Paying for tuition, textbooks, and hostel accommodation can drain your finances. Fortunately, several multinational companies and government agencies offer fully funded scholarships to undergraduate students.
If you have good grades, you can win these awards. They provide annual cash stipends that cover your fees until you graduate.
Here are the top 10 undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria and exactly what you need to apply for them.
1. Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarship
The PTDF scholarship is a federal government initiative. It targets students studying oil, gas, engineering, and energy-related courses in Nigerian federal universities.
- Eligibility: You must be a 200-level student. You also need a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or 3.5 on a 5.0 scale.
- Benefits: Successful undergraduate students receive about ₦500,000 annually. The fund also provides a free laptop for scholars.
- Application Window: Usually opens around May every year.
2. MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship (MTN STS)
The MTN Foundation rewards high-performing students across public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. They also have a special category for blind students in any discipline. +1
- Eligibility: You must be a 300-level student studying a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) course. Medical students in 400-level are also eligible. You must have a minimum CGPA of 3.5. +1
- Benefits: Awardees receive ₦300,000 every year until graduation.
- Application Window: Normally announced between May and June.
3. Agbami Medical and Engineering Professional Scholarship
This award is funded by Star Deep Water Petroleum (a Chevron company). It is specifically designed to boost the workforce in Nigeria’s health and engineering sectors. +1
- Eligibility: You must be a full-time 100-level or 200-level student studying Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, or Engineering.
- Benefits: Medical students receive ₦200,000 annually, while engineering students receive ₦100,000 annually.
- Application Window: Typically opens towards the end of the year.
4. Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Undergraduate Scholarship
The NLNG scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards in the country. It is highly competitive but very rewarding.
- Eligibility: It is open to 100-level students across all disciplines in recognized Nigerian universities. You must have excellent WAEC and JAMB scores.
- Benefits: Scholars receive an annual allowance of ₦300,000 to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Application Window: Often opens between September and November.
5. Shell (SPDC) Joint Venture University Scholarship
Shell offers this scholarship to promote academic excellence among young Nigerians. It is divided into two categories: the National Merit Award (for everyone) and the Areas of Operation Award (for host communities).
- Eligibility: You must be a 200-level student with a minimum CGPA of 2.5. It is open to students in all degree programs.
- Benefits: Awardees get ₦200,000 yearly.
- Application Window: Generally announced in the first quarter of the year.
6. NNPC / TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship
TotalEnergies partners with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to sponsor university students. They do this to support educational development in Nigeria.
- Eligibility: Open to 100-level and 200-level students in any course. However, students in accounting, business, and STEM fields have an advantage. You need a minimum CGPA of 2.5.
- Benefits: Winners receive ₦150,000 annually.
- Application Window: Usually falls around October and November.
7. Seplat JV Undergraduate Scholarship
Seplat Energy awards scholarships to students in federal and state universities. They focus strongly on academic merit.
- Eligibility: You must be in your second year (200-level) or above. You must maintain a CGPA of 3.5 or its equivalent. Eligible courses include Engineering, Geology, Computer Science, and Mass Communication.
- Benefits: The scholarship pays ₦150,000 every academic session.
- Application Window: Often opens in July or August.
8. Federal Government Nigerian Award (FSB)
The Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) handles this award. Unlike the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) which sends students abroad, the Nigerian Award is strictly for students schooling inside the country.
- Eligibility: Open to 200-level students and above in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. You must have a minimum CGPA of 4.0 on a 5.0 scale.
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees and an annual maintenance allowance of ₦250,000.
- Application Window: Usually published in national newspapers around December.
9. NNPC / Chevron JV National University Scholarship
Chevron Nigeria Limited sponsors thousands of students through this scheme. It is a merit-based award targeted at specific courses. +1
- Eligibility: You must be a 200-level student studying Law, Dentistry, Engineering, Architecture, or Accounting.
- Benefits: The scholarship is worth ₦100,000 to ₦150,000 annually.
- Application Window: Usually announced in the first quarter of the year.
10. ExxonMobil (NNPC/MPN) Undergraduate Scholarship
Mobil Producing Nigeria offers this scholarship to undergraduate students to help them complete their studies without financial stress.
- Eligibility: Open to 200-level students in Nigerian universities. You must be studying Geosciences, Engineering, or Computer Science. A minimum CGPA of 3.0 is required.
- Benefits: Scholars get an annual grant of ₦150,000.
- Application Window: Usually opens in July.
How to Prepare for Scholarships
To increase your chances of winning, keep your academic documents ready at all times. Always have scanned copies of your JAMB admission letter, O-level results, school ID card, and Local Government identification letter on your phone or computer.
Most importantly, read hard. Almost all these scholarships require you to maintain a high CGPA to keep receiving the money every year. If your grades drop, the sponsors will withdraw the award.
