Government and Corporate Scholarships in Nigeria You Can Apply For

While international scholarships get the most attention, some of the most accessible funding for Nigerian students is right here at home. Federal and state governments, oil and gas companies, banks and foundations all run scholarship schemes — and many go under-subscribed simply because students do not hear about them in time.

This guide highlights the local scholarships you should know about.

Government Scholarships

The Federal Government Scholarship Scheme supports Nigerian students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, some for study at home and others for study abroad through bilateral agreements. The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) sponsors students in oil, gas and related fields, often fully funding overseas master’s and PhD study.

Many state governments also run their own schemes for indigenes, so your state scholarship board is always worth checking each year.

Corporate Scholarships

Nigeria’s big companies invest heavily in student funding. The NNPC and its partners, the Agbami Medical and Engineering Professionals scholarship, MTN Foundation, Shell, Chevron and several banks run annual scholarships, mostly for undergraduates in science, engineering, medicine and technology.

These awards typically involve an aptitude test, so students who prepare seriously have a strong advantage.

Who Qualifies

Requirements vary, but most local scholarships ask for Nigerian citizenship, current enrolment in an approved institution, and a good academic standing. Some target specific states, fields, or levels of study, while others are open nationwide.

Reading each scheme’s criteria carefully saves you from wasting effort on awards you are not eligible for.

How to Apply and Stay Ahead

Local scholarships often have tight windows, so watch official portals and reputable notice boards closely. Keep your admission letter, results, ID and passport photograph ready so you can apply the moment applications open.

For test-based corporate awards, revise mathematics, English and general knowledge — the selection often comes down to that single exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are government scholarships still running? Yes, federal and many state schemes run regularly — always apply through official channels only.

Do corporate scholarships cover full fees? Many provide a yearly grant toward fees and upkeep; a few cover much more.

Is there an application fee? Genuine local scholarships do not charge you to apply.