In Nigeria, education is a gateway to personal and professional success. However, the cost of tuition and related expenses can be overwhelming for many students and their families. Thankfully, scholarships provide a vital lifeline, making quality education accessible to deserving students. Scholarships are offered by various universities in Nigeria to support talented students in need. This comprehensive guide highlights the top 10 Nigerian universities offering scholarships, including federal, state, and private institutions. We’ll also explore the details, requirements, and tips on how to win these scholarships.
Federal Universities Offering Scholarships
Federal universities are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and are home to some of the best scholarship opportunities for students across Nigeria. Here are five top federal universities that offer scholarships:
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Scholarship Name: UNILAG Merit Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: The University of Lagos offers a merit-based scholarship to outstanding students based on their academic performance. This scholarship is awarded to students who excel in their coursework and are enrolled in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Requirements:
- A high CGPA (typically above 4.5) for undergraduate students.
- Proof of enrollment in a full-time program.
- No history of disciplinary issues.
- How to Win: Students must consistently perform excellently in their courses and maintain a high CGPA. Applicants should also demonstrate leadership skills and community involvement.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Scholarship Name: UNN Postgraduate Scholarships
- Scholarship Details: UNN offers postgraduate scholarships to outstanding students pursuing their Master’s or PhD. The scholarship covers tuition, research fees, and provides stipends for living expenses.
- Requirements:
- Acceptance into a postgraduate program at UNN.
- Excellent academic performance at the undergraduate level.
- A strong research proposal (for research-based programs).
- How to Win: For PhD candidates, having a well-structured research proposal that aligns with the university’s research priorities is key. Demonstrating excellent academic records and professional contributions can improve your chances.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- Scholarship Name: ABU Merit Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: ABU offers merit-based scholarships to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is aimed at rewarding academic excellence and supporting deserving students with financial need.
- Requirements:
- Minimum CGPA of 4.5 for undergraduates.
- A first-class or upper second-class degree for postgraduate students.
- How to Win: Consistent high academic performance and an excellent application package, including recommendation letters and an impressive CV, increase the chances of winning this scholarship.
Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
- Scholarship Name: FUTMINNA Merit-based Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: FUTMINNA offers merit scholarships to students based on their performance in academic and extracurricular activities. The scholarship is open to all full-time undergraduate students.
- Requirements:
- A high CGPA (above 4.0).
- Enrollment as a full-time student in the university.
- Active participation in campus activities.
- How to Win: Students must engage in extracurricular activities such as student government, sports, or cultural activities, in addition to performing well academically.
University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Scholarship Name: UNIJOS Undergraduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: The University of Jos offers various undergraduate scholarships to support students in financial need. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and students’ overall performance.
- Requirements:
- Full-time undergraduate status.
- Minimum CGPA of 4.0.
- Evidence of financial need.
- How to Win: Aside from excelling academically, applicants should prepare a compelling case for why they need financial support. Showing involvement in community service can also enhance the application.
State Universities Offering Scholarships
State universities in Nigeria also provide excellent scholarship opportunities, often focusing on regional development and students who excel academically. Here are five state universities that offer scholarships:
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
- Scholarship Name: LAUTECH Merit Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: This scholarship is aimed at rewarding high-achieving students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their coursework. The scholarship is open to undergraduate students in various departments.
- Requirements:
- High academic standing (minimum CGPA of 4.5).
- Enrollment as a full-time student.
- How to Win: Perform excellently in your courses and maintain a high CGPA. Demonstrating leadership qualities and active participation in university life will increase your chances.
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Scholarship Name: UNIBEN General Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: UNIBEN offers scholarships to undergraduate students with excellent academic performance. It also offers financial aid to students who show promise in sports and cultural activities.
- Requirements:
- Minimum CGPA of 4.0.
- Participation in extracurricular activities such as sports or cultural clubs.
- How to Win: Excelling academically while participating actively in extracurricular activities like sports or music can significantly increase your chances of receiving this scholarship.
Kogi State University (KSU)
- Scholarship Name: KSU Merit Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: Kogi State University offers scholarships for students in all faculties based on merit. The scholarship covers full tuition fees for the duration of the student’s program.
- Requirements:
- Full-time undergraduate status.
- Excellent academic performance.
- How to Win: You need to maintain a high academic record and apply promptly when the scholarship application window opens.
Niger Delta University (NDU)
- Scholarship Name: NDU Merit and Need-based Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: NDU offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships. The merit-based scholarship rewards high academic achievers, while the need-based scholarship is aimed at supporting students with financial challenges.
- Requirements:
- Minimum CGPA of 4.0 for merit scholarships.
- Evidence of financial need for need-based scholarships.
- How to Win: High academic performance is essential, and for need-based scholarships, demonstrating your financial need with the necessary documents will improve your chances.
Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
- Scholarship Name: UNIOSUN Undergraduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: This scholarship is offered to high-performing undergraduate students in various departments, with the aim of promoting academic excellence.
- Requirements:
- High CGPA (above 4.0).
- Full-time undergraduate status.
- How to Win: Consistently excel in your courses and maintain a high CGPA. Active participation in campus life is also beneficial.
Private Universities Offering Scholarships
Private universities in Nigeria offer scholarships to students, particularly those who demonstrate excellence in academics, sports, or other activities. Here are five private universities offering scholarships:
Covenant University
- Scholarship Name: Covenant University Merit Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: Covenant University offers scholarships to students who perform exceptionally in their academics. This scholarship is available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Requirements:
- Minimum CGPA of 4.5 for undergraduates.
- Demonstration of leadership and community involvement.
- How to Win: Maintaining excellent academic performance and showing involvement in university activities, such as student leadership or community projects, will increase your chances.
Babcock University
- Scholarship Name: Babcock University Undergraduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: Babcock University offers full and partial scholarships to students based on academic performance and financial need.
- Requirements:
- A strong academic record.
- Evidence of financial need.
- How to Win: Students must excel academically and submit a well-documented application that includes proof of financial need.
Pan-Atlantic University
- Scholarship Name: Pan-Atlantic University Merit Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: Pan-Atlantic University offers merit-based scholarships for students in various fields of study, including engineering, business, and social sciences.
- Requirements:
- Excellent academic performance.
- A strong application essay demonstrating the student’s ambition and career goals.
- How to Win: Submit a compelling personal statement or essay highlighting your achievements and future ambitions.
American University of Nigeria (AUN)
- Scholarship Name: AUN Presidential Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: The AUN Presidential Scholarship is awarded to students who show exceptional academic talent. This scholarship covers full tuition fees for the entire course duration.
- Requirements:
- High academic performance (minimum CGPA of 4.5).
- Strong leadership qualities.
- How to Win: Maintain excellent grades and demonstrate leadership potential in both academic and extracurricular activities.
Regent University
- Scholarship Name: Regent University Undergraduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Details: Regent University provides scholarships for undergraduate students based on academic excellence and overall contributions to the university community.
- Requirements:
- Academic excellence.
- Active participation in university activities.
- How to Win: Students must maintain excellent academic performance and actively participate in student organizations and community service.
Also read: List of Federal Universities in Nigeria and Their Cut Off Marks (2025)
Conclusion: Winning Scholarships in Nigerian Universities
Scholarships are a fantastic way to ease the financial burden of university education in Nigeria. By exploring the scholarships offered by federal, state, and private universities, students can access valuable financial support. To increase your chances of winning a scholarship, it is essential to maintain high academic performance, engage in extracurricular activities, and submit compelling applications.
Students should carefully read the eligibility criteria, understand the application processes, and start preparing well in advance. Whether it’s merit-based, need-based, or for special talents like sports or leadership, Nigerian universities offer a range of scholarships to make education more accessible to deserving students.