Comprehensive Guide to Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria
Pursuing an undergraduate degree is a crucial step that opens doors to enhanced career and growth opportunities. However, rising tuition fees and academic expenses make it challenging for many bright students to access quality higher education. This is where scholarships come in – they provide financial aid to deserving and disadvantaged students to help cover their academic costs.
There are a variety of undergraduate scholarship programs available for Nigerian students, offered by government bodies, private companies, non-profits and even foreign institutions. If you are a student looking to fund your bachelor’s degree, this guide explores comprehensive information on various undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria and tips to help you win them:
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Government Sponsored National Scholarships
The Federal Government of Nigeria, state governments and other public sector undertakings offer a number of competitive scholarships annually for undergraduate students. Some popular national programs include:
Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarships
- Awarded for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in partner countries that have signed BEA pact with Nigeria like China, Russia, Morocco, Serbia etc.
- Covers tuition fees, living costs and travel expenses
- Highly competitive – excellent WASSCE scores required
Federal Scholarship Awards
- For study at federal and state universities within Nigeria
- Covers 100% tuition fees and on-campus accommodation
- Based on merit, not financial need
- Applications via Federal Scholarship Board
State Government Scholarships
- Awarded by state ministries of education and scholarships boards
- For study at state-owned universities or colleges
- Covers tuition, books and other academic costs
- Quotas exist for students from economically weaker sections
So if you are a high performing student, definitely check out national and state level government supported undergraduate scholarship programs.
Scholarships from Nigerian Companies
Reputed Nigerian companies and conglomerates also offer competitive undergraduate scholarships yearly under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Some top examples are:
Shell Nigeria National Merit Award
- Prestigious scholarship for study in Nigerian or foreign universities
- Caters to all fields – engineering, sciences, medicine and more
- Total value around ₦5 million per student
- Highly competitive – outstanding WASSCE scores required
Total Nigeria Scholarship
- For study at Nigerian public universities
- Targeted at students from low income households
- Covers tuition fees, accommodation, books etc.
- Requires minimum of 5 credits in last exam results
Mobil Nigeria Scholarship
- For students pursuing undergraduate degrees within Nigeria
- Selected students get up to ₦100k towards academic expenses
- Renewable yearly based on satisfactory academic performance
Top national and multinational companies looking to give back and build talent pipelines are great options for quality undergraduate scholarships for Nigerian students.
Scholarships by Non-Profits & Foundations
Many non-profit organizations and philanthropic foundations also recognize the need to support less privileged students pursuing undergraduate studies. Some examples are:
Abraham Ilukhor Education Excellence Award
- Sponsored by the Abraham Ilukhor University Foundation
- Merit cum means scholarship
- For financially challenged students enrolled at Nigerian public universities
- Value of ₦60k – ₦100k per recipient
Sure-P Education Scholarship
- Offered by Sure-P Education Foundation under Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
- Targeted at students from families of NNPC’s host communities
- Fixed ₦100k scholarship , renewed yearly
Adanma Hope Foundation Education Fund
- By Adanma Hope non-profit organization
- Caters specifically to female undergraduate students
- Recipients get full tuition fees funding for their degree program
- Strong focus on supporting women in STEM programs
Students facing genuine financial constraints must explore these and other such assistance programs by charitable organizations and NGOs within Nigeria.
Undergraduate Scholarships for International Study
For top-performing Nigerian students, many foreign governments and private institutions also offer generous undergraduate scholarships to fund studies abroad. Popular options include:
Malaysia Commonwealth Scholarships
- Funded by Malaysian government for international students
- Offers bachelor’s degrees in engineering, sciences, medicine etc.
- Covers all academic costs, accommodation and living expenses
- Highly selective – outstanding WAEC grades required
African Students Excellency Scholarships by DAAD
- Prestigious scholarships by German Academic Exchange Body (DAAD)
- Over 15 African countries eligible including Nigeria
- For undergraduate and postgraduate studies in German universities
- Covers university fees, health insurance, monthly stipends etc.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Funded by Mastercard Foundation philanthropic initiative
- For economically disadvantaged African students
- University education focused on leadership and social change
- Places available at top Canadian, American and African universities
For talented young Nigerians from financially weak backgrounds, such foreign undergraduate scholarship programs can be life-changing opportunities.
Application Tips to Win Scholarships
Here are some tips to help you successfully secure undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria:
Start researching early – Explore scholarship databases, education ministry portals etc. for programs well in advance of deadlines
Focus on eligibility – Carefully assess if you meet the specified eligibility criteria before applying to any scholarship
Understand selection criteria – Each scholarship has its own qualifying metrics like merit, means testing, diversity goals etc. that determine potential award
Prepare a strong application – Make sure you submit all required documents and write an engaging scholarship essay that stands out
Have someone review – Ask teachers, parents or friends to review your application and essays to further polish your submission
Apply to multiple scholarships – Don’t just apply to one or two scholarship programs. Submit many applications to diversify your chances of success.
I hope this detailed guide provides complete information on the diversity of undergraduate scholarships on offer for Nigerian students – whether national or international. If you meet the eligibility parameters of any listed scholarship, make sure to apply well in advance and follow the necessary processes. All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common undergraduate scholarship queries answered:
Are scholarships only for the financially poor?
No, there are scholarships of both types – means cum merit based as well as pure merit based. Some look at only grades while some look at economic background too.
Which undergraduate year should I apply scholarships for?
Most standard undergraduate scholarship programs in Nigeria accept applications from brilliant SS3 students seeking admission as well as existing university students in 100 Level through to 500 Level.
Can I get undergraduate scholarships for private universities?
Yes, many company and NGO funded scholarship programs support students enrolled at accredited private universities too. But government scholarships are typically meant for public university students.
What documents are required for undergraduate scholarship applications?
Typical documents needed are last qualifying exam results, university admission letters, ID proofs, parents income certificates, scholarship essay, recommendation letters and application form.
How do I find an exhaustive list of undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria?
Education ministry websites, scholarship databases, university noticeboards and education NGO sites are good sources to discover most undergraduate scholarship programs currently available in Nigeria.
I hope these clarify some of your queries around the undergraduate scholarship process. Let me know if you need any further information!