If you’re a student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), you’ve probably thought about how to reduce the financial burden of school fees, textbooks, and other expenses. Scholarships are a great way to support your academic journey without stress. The good news is that UNILAG students have access to a variety of scholarships, both from within and outside the school.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for scholarships at UNILAG — from finding the right ones to submitting a strong application.
Why Scholarships Matter
Scholarships help students financially, but they also boost your academic and professional profile. Many scholarship bodies look for students with good grades, strong character, leadership skills, or a combination of all these. Whether you’re a first-year student or already deep into your course, there are opportunities for you.
Types of Scholarships Available to UNILAG Students
Before applying, it’s good to understand the types of scholarships available. They usually fall into the following categories:
- Merit-based scholarships: These are awarded based on academic performance. You need to have excellent grades, usually with a CGPA of 4.0 or higher.
- Need-based scholarships: These support students from low-income backgrounds. You’ll be asked to provide proof of your financial situation.
- Faculty/departmental scholarships: Some departments offer their own scholarships to top-performing students.
- Government and corporate scholarships: Several companies and state governments offer scholarships to UNILAG students, including MTN Foundation, NNPC/SNEPCo, Agbami, and Chevron.
- International scholarships: For students seeking exchange programs or postgraduate studies abroad, some foreign governments and NGOs offer scholarships that UNILAG students can apply for.
Where to Find UNILAG Scholarships
Here are some trusted places to find scholarship opportunities:
- UNILAG’s official website: Visit https://unilag.edu.ng regularly. They often post scholarship announcements on the homepage or under the student portal.
- School noticeboards and faculty offices: Don’t ignore the physical noticeboards around campus. Many departments also post scholarship information.
- Student Affairs Division: This office handles student welfare and often helps coordinate internal and external scholarships.
- Social media: Follow UNILAG-related pages, academic communities, and scholarship-focused platforms on Twitter, Facebook, or Telegram.
- NGO and corporate websites: Companies like Shell, MTN, and Agbami post scholarship updates on their official pages.
Steps to Apply for a Scholarship at UNILAG
Each scholarship may have its own process, but the general steps are usually similar. Here’s how to go about it:
Prepare all necessary documents
Most scholarship applications require the following:
- A recent passport photograph
- Academic transcripts or results
- Admission letter or proof of studentship
- Valid ID (student ID or national ID)
- Personal statement or essay
- Letter of recommendation (sometimes)
Always check the exact requirements for each scholarship.
Watch out for announcements and deadlines
Scholarship applications usually have fixed windows. Pay attention to dates and don’t delay. Set calendar reminders and check updates frequently.
Apply online or submit manually
Some scholarships require online applications, while others may need you to submit hard copies through your department or the Student Affairs office.
Write a strong personal statement
When a scholarship asks you to write an essay or personal statement, take it seriously. Talk about your background, academic goals, financial need (if applicable), and how the scholarship will help you. Be honest, focused, and avoid copying from the internet.
Follow up, but be patient
Some scholarships release results within weeks, others may take a few months. If contact information is provided, you can respectfully follow up after the deadline passes.
Top Scholarships UNILAG Students Can Apply For
While there are many scholarships, here are a few popular ones UNILAG students regularly benefit from:
- MTN Foundation Scholarship: For second-year and above students in science or tech-related fields with CGPA of 3.5 or higher.
- NNPC/TotalEnergies Scholarship: For 100-level students in accredited Nigerian universities.
- Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship: For medical, nursing, and engineering students.
- Chevron JV Scholarship: For students in various disciplines, especially STEM courses.
- Lagos State Scholarship: For indigent or merit-based students who are Lagos State indigenes.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early — don’t wait until the last minute.
- Keep digital and printed copies of your documents ready.
- Use a professional email address.
- Avoid grammatical errors in your application or essay.
- Only provide genuine information — scholarship bodies verify your claims.
- Don’t apply once and stop. Try as many as you qualify for.
Final Thoughts
Applying for scholarships at UNILAG may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right information and approach, it’s something any student can do. The key is to stay alert, stay organized, and be ready when opportunities come. Scholarships can change your story — they’ve helped many students finish school with less stress, and they can help you too.