Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) offers some of Nigeria’s most generous scholarship opportunities, but many students miss out simply because they don’t know when or how to apply. If you’re looking for financial aid for the 2025/2026 academic session, here are the key scholarships closing between May and June 2025 that you should be rushing to apply for right now.
Available Scholarships and Their Deadlines
1. UNIZIK Merit Scholarship
- Deadline: May 15, 2025
- Covers: 100% tuition for top 5% of each faculty
- Requirements: Minimum 4.5 CGPA, no carryovers
2. Vice-Chancellor’s Need-Based Grant
- Deadline: June 3, 2025
- Covers: 50-75% tuition + stipend
- Perfect for: Students with financial hardship (requires proof of income)
3. Faculty-Specific Awards
- Engineering/Sciences: June 10, 2025
- Arts/Social Sciences: May 30, 2025
Why These Dates Matter
Last year, over 70% of applications came in the final 48 hours before deadlines, leading to website crashes and incomplete submissions. The early birds who applied in April had:
- Higher approval rates (83% vs 61%)
- Better chances at multiple awards
- Time to correct application errors
How to Apply Successfully
Documents You’ll Need Ready
- Current academic transcript
- Proof of registration for 2024/2025 session
- Reference letters (one must be from your HOD)
- For need-based: Tax documents, pay slips, or sworn affidavit of indigency
Pro Tip: Start your application at least 2 weeks before deadline. The bursary office confirms that applications submitted in the final 72 hours have the highest rejection rates due to rushed paperwork.
Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
- Missing signatures on declaration forms
- Submitting blurry document scans
- Not matching bank account names with school records
- Forgetting to check the scholarship portal for updates
What Happens After Submission?
The selection committee typically releases shortlisted candidates within 6-8 weeks after deadlines. Successful applicants will:
- Receive SMS and portal notifications
- Need to accept the award within 14 days
- Attend a mandatory verification exercise (usually July)
Alternative Options If You Miss These
Don’t panic if you can’t meet these deadlines. UNIZIK offers:
- Departmental scholarships (rolling deadlines)
- Alumni-sponsored awards (multiple cycles)
- Emergency grants (year-round for special cases)
Final Advice from Past Winners
Chika Obi (Medicine, 2023 recipient) suggests: “Treat the application like an exam. Prepare all documents in a folder beforehand, and submit at least 5 days early. That’s what worked for me.”
Remember: These scholarships are competitive but absolutely attainable. Set calendar reminders for your chosen deadlines, follow application instructions to the letter, and put your best foot forward. Your education funding solution might just be one well-prepared application away.
Next Steps:
✔ Visit UNIZIK’s scholarship portal today
✔ Download the 2025 application forms
✔ Bookmark this page for deadline reminders
Good luck! With the right preparation, you could be on your way to significant financial support for your education.