Paying for university in Nigeria can be challenging, but scholarships make it easier for ambitious students. Whether you’re about to write JAMB 2026 or are already a first-year undergraduate, there are numerous scholarship opportunities offered by universities, private foundations, corporations, and government programs that can reduce or completely cover tuition and living expenses.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about scholarships for UTME candidates and undergraduates, including how to apply, deadlines, and strategies to maximize your chances.
📌 What Are Scholarships and Why They Matter
A scholarship is a form of financial aid awarded to students based on:
-
Academic excellence
-
Financial need
-
Leadership potential
-
Special talents or achievements
Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment, making them one of the best ways to fund your education.
Why JAMB 2026 Candidates Should Care About Scholarships
-
Scholarships can reduce or eliminate tuition fees.
ADVERTISEMENT -
Some scholarships provide living stipends, covering accommodation, food, and books.
ADVERTISEMENT -
Merit-based scholarships reward students with high UTME scores or strong WAEC results.
-
Some corporate or foundation scholarships include mentorship and career development programs.
🎯 Scholarships Based on JAMB/UTME Performance
Some scholarships are awarded to candidates before they even gain admission, usually based on high UTME scores.
1️⃣ Wigwe University Merit Scholarship
-
Who qualifies: JAMB candidates with high scores
-
Tuition discount: Ranges from partial to full, based on score
-
Notes: Candidates with 300+ JAMB score usually get the highest discount. (legit.ng)
| UTME Score | Tuition Discount |
|---|---|
| 300+ | Highest discount |
| 250–299 | Large discount |
| 220–249 | Moderate discount |
| 180–219 | Small discount |
| 150–179 | Minimal discount |
Tip: Choosing Wigwe University as your first choice in your JAMB form may increase eligibility for this scholarship.
2️⃣ NDM Foundation JAMB Scholarship
-
Who qualifies: Students with financial challenges planning to write JAMB
-
Benefit: Covers registration and offers additional study resources
-
Notes: Rare but very beneficial for low-income students.
📌 Scholarships Available After Admission
Most scholarships open after matriculation, often requiring good academic performance.
1️⃣ NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship
-
Award: ~₦300,000 per year (renewable)
-
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduates in Nigerian universities
-
Notes: Covers tuition, sometimes allowances.
2️⃣ Agbami Medical & Engineering Scholarship
-
Target students: Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing Science, and Engineering
-
Award: ₦100,000 – ₦200,000 annually
-
Eligibility: Students with good academic standing (CGPA ≥ 3.0) (
3️⃣ NNPC/TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship
-
Award: ₦200,000 per year
-
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduates
-
Notes: Renewable as long as academic performance is maintained (
4️⃣ MTN Foundation Scholarships
| Program | Target | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology | 300-level STEM students | ₦300,000/year |
| Top 10 UTME scorers | Nationwide | ₦300,000/year |
| Blind Students | Visually impaired students | ₦200,000/year |
MTN scholarships reward academic excellence, inclusivity, and innovation.
🏛 Government & Regional Scholarships
Lagos State Scholarship Board
-
Who qualifies: Lagos State indigenes in Nigerian universities
-
Award: ~₦200,000 tuition + stipend
-
Notes: Requires proof of origin and academic performance Federal Government Scholarships
-
Target: High-performing undergraduates across all states
-
Types: Local and overseas awards
-
Notes: Managed by the Federal Ministry of Education
🌍 Private Foundations & NGO Scholarships
David Oyedepo Foundation
-
Award: Full tuition + living support
-
Eligibility: Entering undergraduates
-
Notes: Includes mentorship programs
Jim Ovia Foundation Scholars Program
-
Award: Tuition + monthly stipends
-
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with merit
-
Renewal: Annually, based on performance
Haayaa Student Support Scholarship
-
Award: ₦100,000 + leadership programs
-
Eligibility: All undergraduates
MOK Foundation Scholarship
-
Award: Variable
-
Eligibility: UTME candidates or university students from underprivileged backgrounds
🛢 Corporate & Industry Scholarships
| Scholarship | Sponsor | Award | Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shell/SPDC JV | Shell Petroleum | ~₦200,000/year | Science & Tech students |
| Chevron/NNPC | Chevron | ~₦200,000/year | Technical & STEM courses |
| Agbami | Chevron/Total | ₦100,000–₦200,000/year | Medicine, Nursing, Engineering |
| MTN Foundation | MTN | ₦200,000–₦300,000/year | STEM & top UTME scorers |
Corporate scholarships are competitive but high-value and often include mentorship and career opportunities.
📝 How to Apply and Maximize Scholarship Chances
Before Admission
-
Aim for high UTME scores for pre-admission scholarships.
-
Gather O-Level results, birth certificate, recommendation letters.
-
Research universities that offer merit-based scholarships.
After Admission
-
Apply early through university scholarship portals.
-
Maintain high CGPA for merit-based renewals.
-
Submit complete documentation before deadlines.
-
Join scholarship WhatsApp/Telegram groups for updates.
📊 Table: Top Scholarships Ranked by Value and Eligibility
| Scholarship | Typical Value | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Oyedepo Foundation | Full tuition & living | Undergraduates | Highly competitive |
| Jim Ovia Foundation | Full tuition + stipend | Undergraduates | Renewable yearly |
| NLNG Scholarship | ₦300,000/year | All full-time students | Renewable with good grades |
| MTN Top 10 UTME | ₦300,000/year | Top 10 scorers | First-year students |
| Agbami | ₦100,000–₦200,000/year | Medicine, Nursing, Engineering | CGPA ≥3.0 |
| Shell/SPDC | ₦200,000/year | Science & Tech | Competitive |
| Chevron/NNPC | ₦200,000/year | STEM & tech courses | Competitive |
| Lagos State Scholarship | ₦200,000 | Lagos indigenes | Needs proof of origin |
| Haayaa Student Support | ₦100,000 | Undergraduates | Leadership-focused |
| MOK Foundation | Variable | UTME or undergraduates |
Tips to Maximize Scholarship Odds
-
Start early and gather documents in advance.
-
Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously.
-
Track deadlines carefully.
-
Maintain high academic performance.
-
Seek advice from university scholarship offices or mentors.
✅ Conclusion
Whether you are writing JAMB 2026 or already in university, scholarships can drastically reduce your financial burden. From pre-admission awards like Wigwe University’s UTME scholarship, to corporate and foundation awards like NLNG, MTN, Jim Ovia, and David Oyedepo scholarships, there are plenty of opportunities for every student.
Key takeaway: Plan early, apply widely, and maintain academic excellence — these are the keys to securing funding for your university education.
