As the cost of higher education continues to rise, many Nigerian university students are actively searching for scholarship opportunities to support their academic journey. The good news is that there are several scholarship programs in Nigeria specifically designed to assist undergraduate and postgraduate students. Whether you are studying in a federal university, state university, or private institution, you can find financial aid to ease the burden of tuition and living expenses.
This guide highlights the top Nigerian scholarships for university students in 2025. These scholarships are either funded by the government, private organizations, oil companies, or philanthropic foundations. Some are merit-based, while others are focused on need or specific courses of study.
Why Apply for a Scholarship?
Getting a scholarship can make a huge difference in your academic life. It can help you focus more on your studies instead of worrying about school fees, textbooks, and other essentials. Scholarships also improve your CV and may even connect you with networking opportunities or future jobs.
Top Nigerian Scholarships You Should Consider in 2025
1. Federal Government Scholarships (FSB)
The Federal Ministry of Education, through the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB), offers annual scholarships to Nigerian university students. These are mostly for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Nigerian public universities.
Benefits usually include:
- Tuition support
- Monthly stipend
- Book allowance
To qualify, applicants must maintain good academic standing, usually a CGPA of 3.5 and above (for undergraduates).
2. MTN Foundation Scholarship
The MTN Foundation offers a popular scholarship program for Nigerian students in science and technology-related courses. It’s open to 300-level students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
- Covers tuition, book allowance, and monthly stipend
- Open to students with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 or its equivalent
3. NNPC/SEPLAT Scholarship
This scholarship is for undergraduate students in Nigerian federal and state universities. It is open to students in their second year or above.
- Focused on engineering, sciences, and social sciences
- Provides N200,000 annually until graduation (subject to academic performance)
4. Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship
This program is sponsored by Chevron and its partners under the Agbami Joint Venture. It supports students in medicine, engineering, and related fields.
- Open to 100 and 200-level students
- Covers tuition and a generous annual allowance
- Only available for students in approved Nigerian institutions
5. Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship
One of the most well-known private scholarships in Nigeria, the Jim Ovia Scholarship is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Full tuition and maintenance allowance
- Open to students from any course or institution
- Requires strong academic records and leadership potential
6. Shell Nigeria University Scholarship
The Shell scholarship is available to first-year students in Nigerian universities. It is awarded based on academic merit.
- Open to science and engineering students
- Provides annual financial support throughout the course of study
7. NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship
The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) scholarship supports students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. It begins at 100 level and continues throughout the student’s program.
- Over 3,000 students have benefited since its launch
- Covers full tuition and other expenses
8. Lagos State Government Bursary and Scholarship
For Lagos State indigenes, the state government offers bursaries and scholarships every year to assist students in higher institutions.
- Bursary is open to all Lagos State indigenes in tertiary institutions
- Scholarship is merit-based and requires a minimum CGPA
- Applications must be submitted through the Lagos State Scholarship Board
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
Getting a scholarship in Nigeria can be competitive, so it’s important to prepare well. Here are a few simple but effective tips:
- Keep your academic grades high
- Apply early and follow instructions carefully
- Write a strong personal statement or motivation letter
- Keep copies of your transcripts, admission letters, and ID documents ready
- Check deadlines regularly and apply for multiple opportunities
Conclusion
With the right information and a bit of preparation, securing a Nigerian scholarship in 2025 is very possible. These scholarships can ease the financial stress of university life and help you achieve your academic goals. Whether you’re studying engineering, medicine, education, or social sciences, there’s likely a scholarship opportunity for you.