List of Ongoing Scholarships in Nigeria
In a country where the cost of education continues to rise and family incomes are stretched thin, accessing financial aid has become a lifeline for many students. That’s why the list of ongoing scholarships in Nigeria 2025 is not just a regular information roundup – it’s a crucial tool that could determine whether a student’s dream of acquiring quality education becomes reality or fades away.
Each year, thousands of Nigerian students miss out on incredible opportunities simply because they didn’t know about them early enough or didn’t have the right guidance. This article aims to change that narrative by delivering the most relevant, up-to-date and accessible scholarship opportunities available across Nigeria in 2025.
From fully funded government schemes to privately sponsored initiatives and international programs accepting Nigerian applicants, the variety in the list of ongoing scholarships in Nigeria 2025 is rich and wide-reaching. Whether you’re a high school graduate trying to get into a Nigerian university, a polytechnic student, a postgraduate applicant or someone planning to study abroad, there’s something for you in this well researched article.
The competition might be fierce, but so are the opportunities – many offering tuition waivers, monthly stipends, travel support and mentorship that could transform your academic and professional journey forever.
What makes this list even more powerful is its timing. These are not scholarships you’ll wish you had heard about last year – these are currently open, ongoing and in many cases, under-publicized. While some are closing in a few weeks, others extend their deadlines throughout the year.
With thousands of slots available for eligible Nigerians, the 2025 scholarship landscape is more open than ever. But only those who act fast and smart will secure a spot.
Top Federal Government Scholarships You Can Apply for Right Now
When it comes to the list of ongoing scholarships in Nigeria 2025, federal government schemes remain the most accessible for students across every geopolitical zone.
Federal Ministry of Education Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship
This is one of the most prestigious scholarships administered by the Nigerian government. It’s available for undergraduates and postgraduates seeking to study in countries like Russia, China, Algeria and Hungary.
Key Details:
- Eligibility: Must have a minimum of 5 Distinctions in WAEC/NECO including English and Math.
- Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate.
- Countries Covered: Russia, China, Morocco, Egypt, Serbia, Romania, etc.
- Deadline: Usually between January and March.
- Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation and living allowance.
PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme
Offered by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, this is for those seeking Master’s and PhD programs in oil and gas-related disciplines.
Highlights:
- Fields: Engineering, Geosciences, Environmental Studies, etc.
- Destination Countries: UK, Germany, France and Malaysia.
- Coverage: Tuition, travel, living allowance and health insurance.
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Scholarships
TETFund supports academic staff in tertiary institutions for postgraduate study both within and outside Nigeria.
Quick Facts:
- Level: Mainly for lecturers in Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
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Type: Postgraduate.
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Application: Through your institution management.
Ongoing Scholarships from State Governments in Nigeria
Some state governments also feature prominently in the list of ongoing scholarships in Nigeria 2025. These are typically meant for indigenes of the state.
Lagos State Scholarship Board
Lagos State offers two types of scholarships: bursary and merit-based.
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Merit Awards: For students with excellent academic performance.
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Bursary: For all Lagos State indigenes in public tertiary institutions.
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Amount: Varies by level (N200,000–N400,000).
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Application Period: Typically Q1 each year.
Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Scholarship
Specifically for students from oil-producing states in the Niger Delta region.
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Courses: Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, etc.
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Level: Postgraduate only.
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Funding: Up to $30,000 annually.
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Application Period: Often in Q2 or Q3.
Corporate and Oil Company Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Corporate-funded programs are a huge part of the list of ongoing scholarships in Nigeria 2025. These scholarships often come with strong reputations and solid funding.
NNPC/TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship
This is one of the most consistent undergraduate scholarship opportunities in Nigeria.
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Eligibility: 100-level students in Nigerian universities.
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Value: N150,000 annually throughout your degree.
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Application Window: Often opens in September.
Shell Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship
Shell provides annual grants to students studying science and engineering in Nigerian universities.
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Amount: N200,000 per year.
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Eligibility: Full-time undergraduates.
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Other Perks: Access to mentorship and internships.
Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship
Sponsored by Chevron and its partners, this is focused on Medical and Engineering students.
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Value: N100,000–N200,000 annually.
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Target: 100 and 200-level students.
International Scholarships Available to Nigerians in 2025
The list of ongoing scholarships in Nigeria 2025 wouldn’t be complete without spotlighting international bodies offering funding to Nigerian citizens.
Commonwealth Scholarships
This is one of the most competitive yet generous scholarships available to Nigerians.
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Level: Master’s and PhD.
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Countries: Primarily the UK.
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Coverage: Full funding including flights, stipends, tuition and thesis grant.
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Application Period: September–November.
Chevening Scholarships
UK Government’s fully funded scheme for emerging leaders around the world.
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Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 2 years’ work experience.
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Level: Master’s.
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Deadline: November annually.
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Bonus: Includes networking with top UK officials.
NGO and Private Foundation Scholarships Still Open in 2025
Several non-profit organizations offer scholarships that are part of the growing list of ongoing scholarships in Nigeria 2025.
MTN Foundation Scholarship
Designed to support science and technology students in Nigerian universities.
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Coverage: Up to N200,000 per year.
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Requirements: 300-level students with minimum GPA of 3.5.
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Application Period: May–July.
Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship
A high-impact scholarship for brilliant students offered in partnership with Ashesi University, Ghana.
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Value: Full tuition, accommodation, books and monthly stipend.
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Eligibility: Nigerian undergraduate students.
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Focus: Leadership and entrepreneurship development.
Ongoing Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria 2025
Undergraduate students stand to benefit the most from the current list of ongoing scholarships in Nigeria 2025. These scholarships are often merit-based, financially supportive and open to students across various fields of study.
MTN Foundation Science & Technology Scholarship Scheme
This scholarship targets 300-level students studying Science and Technology courses in public tertiary institutions.
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Value: Up to ₦200,000 per session.
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Coverage: Tuition, accommodation and study materials.
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Eligibility: Minimum CGPA of 3.5 (2nd class upper or its equivalent).
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Deadline: Typically opens May–June.
Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship
This privately funded initiative supports outstanding students in Nigerian universities.
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Target Audience: Both existing and incoming undergraduates.
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Benefits: Full tuition and maintenance allowances.
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Selection Criteria: Academic performance, leadership potential and financial need.
Nigerian Women Association of Georgia (NWAG) Scholarship
Although not limited to female students only, this award focuses more on empowering young Nigerian women in tertiary institutions.
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Amount: $300 per successful applicant.
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Requirement: Essay writing, academic transcripts and evidence of need.
Ongoing Postgraduate Scholarships in Nigeria 2025
Postgraduate students are not left out in the list of ongoing scholarships in Nigeria 2025. Whether for Master’s or PhD studies, there are multiple options that cover both tuition and research support.
PTDF Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (Local & Overseas)
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund offers local and foreign postgraduate sponsorships for high-performing students.
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Fields: Engineering, Environmental Studies, Geology and Management.
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Countries Covered: UK, Germany, France and Malaysia.
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Value: Full tuition, stipends, accommodation and return flight tickets.
Shell Nigeria Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (UK)
Each year, Shell funds Nigerian students to study in top UK universities.
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Host Schools: University of Leeds, University of Oxford, Imperial College London.
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Level: Master’s only.
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Focus Areas: Engineering, Geosciences, Economics.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Funded by the UK Government and hosted by UK universities, this award covers:
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Courses: Development-focused programs.
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Coverage: Tuition, stipend, airfare, thesis allowance and more.
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Eligibility: Applicants must not have studied in a high-income country before.
Scholarships for Women and Minority Groups
Inclusivity is a growing theme in the list of ongoing scholarships in Nigeria 2025. These programs support groups often underrepresented in academia.
Eira Francis Davies Scholarship (University of Swansea, UK)
This award is exclusively for female students from developing countries including Nigeria.
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Target: Women pursuing taught Master’s programs in Health, Life Sciences and Medicine.
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Coverage: Full tuition waiver.
FORBES Women Africa Scholarship
Designed to empower African women who aspire to lead in their fields.
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Focus Areas: Business, Leadership, STEM and Social Change.
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Grant: Tuition, mentorship and global exposure.
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)
AWARD supports female postgraduates and researchers in agriculture-related fields.
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Level: Masters and PhD.
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Support: Research grants, fellowships and professional development.
Deadline Alerts and How to Stay Updated
In a fast-paced scholarship environment, missing a deadline could mean missing out for the entire year. To remain ahead in the scholarship race:
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Join Scholarship Forums: Platforms like Nairaland or Facebook groups often post real-time updates.
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Use Google Alerts: Set alerts for “scholarships in Nigeria 2025” to your inbox.
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Subscribe to Newsletter Services: Many scholarship websites offer free notifications.
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Follow Social Channels: Organizations like the British Council, DAAD or PTDF often share updates on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Always check the application window and submit at least a week before the official deadline.
Complete Application Checklist for 2025 Scholarships
To improve your chances of securing a spot from the list of ongoing scholarships in Nigeria 2025, here’s a checklist to guide you:
- Verified scholarship link and deadline
- Academic transcripts or results
- Admission letter (where applicable)
- Birth certificate or ID
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter or Personal Statement
- Recommendation letters
- Valid international passport (for overseas scholarships)
- Research proposal (for postgraduate programs)
- Proof of financial need (if required)
Now that you’ve gone through the full list of ongoing scholarships in Nigeria 2025, it’s time to act. You don’t need to be the smartest or richest to win a scholarship – you just need to be prepared, persistent and proactive. Start by applying to the most relevant ones immediately. Then, make it a routine to check for updates, refine your documents and explore new opportunities monthly.
This year is packed with life-changing academic grants. Whether your goal is to finish your education in Nigeria without financial stress or chase your dream course abroad, the doors are open. Use this guide as your go-to resource, bookmark it and return frequently as more scholarships are added throughout 2025.
If you stay focused, you won’t just read about scholarship winners – you’ll become one. And when that award letter hits your inbox, it won’t be luck. It’ll be because you were informed, ready and bold enough to go for it.