Let’s be real—university tuition in Nigeria isn’t cheap. From school fees to textbooks and living expenses, the bills stack up fast. But what if I told you there’s a way to ease the financial burden? That’s where undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria come in!
Each year, tons of companies, government agencies, and foundations give out free money (yep, you read that right!) to students. Some scholarships cover tuition, while others offer stipends for living expenses. The best part? You don’t need to pay them back!
The downside? They’re super competitive. But don’t worry—I’ll show you the best ones, their pros and cons, and how to increase your chances of winning.
Top Scholarships for Undergraduates in Nigeria 2025
There are three major types of scholarships in Nigeria:
- Federal Government Scholarships
- Oil Company Scholarships (Think Shell, Mobil, etc.)
- Private & Foundation Scholarships (MTN, Gani Fawehinmi, etc.)
1. Federal Government Scholarships
The Federal Government of Nigeria provides scholarships to undergraduate students in public universities. It’s open to all courses, which is a huge plus.
✅ Pros:
- Covers tuition and sometimes accommodation.
- Open to students from all backgrounds.
- Good for those studying general courses (not limited to Science/Tech like some others).
❌ Cons:
- Competitive. You’ll need solid grades to get in.
- Application deadlines aren’t always consistent, so you need to stay updated.
???? Pro Tip: Regularly check the Federal Scholarship Board Website for updates.
2. Oil Company Scholarships (The Big Money Deals ????)
These scholarships are some of the best in Nigeria because oil companies have deep pockets. If you’re studying Engineering, Geology, or Sciences, you’ll want to bookmark these!
a. Shell SPDC Scholarship
One of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria. Shell Nigeria sponsors first-year students in ANY course of study.
✅ Pros:
- Open to all Nigerian university students.
- Covers tuition and sometimes provides stipends.
- Looks great on your CV!
❌ Cons:
- You need excellent grades (CGPA 4.0+ preferred).
- Super competitive—thousands of students apply yearly.
???? Pro Tip: Past questions help. Check Shell Nigeria Scholarships for application details.
b. Mobil Nigeria Scholarship
If you’re a 100-level or 200-level student, this one’s for you. Mobil awards scholarships to students from all states in Nigeria, but they prioritize Engineering, Sciences, and Medical courses.
✅ Pros:
- Open to 100 and 200-level students.
- Covers tuition fully.
- Not just for Science students!
❌ Cons:
- The August deadline is strict, so apply early.
- Again, high CGPA required.
???? Pro Tip: Applications typically open in June/July. Keep an eye on Afterschool Africa for updates.
3. Private & Foundation Scholarships (MTN, Gani Fawehinmi & More)
a. MTN Foundation Science and Tech Scholarship
Are you a Science or Technology student with a CGPA of 3.5+? Then the MTN Foundation might just fund your education!
✅ Pros:
- Renewable every year (as long as you keep your grades up).
- Covers tuition and sometimes extra stipends.
❌ Cons:
- Only for Science & Tech students.
- CGPA must remain high (so no slacking!).
???? Pro Tip: Visit Afterschool Africa around September to apply.
b. Gani Fawehinmi Scholarships
This one’s for the financially challenged but brilliant students. The foundation gives out a whopping ₦4 million divided among 20-40 students yearly.
✅ Pros:
- Need-based, so grades aren’t the only factor.
- Covers both tuition and living expenses.
❌ Cons:
- Only a small number of students get it.
- No clear renewal policy.
???? Pro Tip: The deadline is usually August 18. Check Afterschool Africa early to apply.
How to Easily Win Scholarships in Nigeria
Let’s be real—scholarships are super competitive. But here’s how to increase your chances:
???? Start Early: Many scholarships open in June/July. Don’t wait till the last minute!
???? Have a Strong CGPA: Most require at least a 3.5 CGPA (or 4.0 for top ones).
???? Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!
???? Write a Killer Essay: Some scholarships require essays—make yours stand out.
???? Get Past Questions: Many companies reuse aptitude test questions yearly. Check forums!
???? Stay Updated: Follow sites like ScholarshipAir for the latest opportunities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a Nigerian undergraduate, 2025 is the year to grab a scholarship! Whether it’s from the federal government, oil companies, or private foundations, there’s free money waiting for you.
The key? Apply early, keep your grades up, and stay persistent. Good luck! ????????
