TOP SCHOLARSHIPS & STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAMMES NIGERIAN UNDERGRADUATES SHOULD APPLY FOR IN 2026

With the rising cost of education in Nigeria, many students are struggling with school fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other academic expenses. The good news is that several scholarships and student support programmes are available for Nigerian undergraduates every year. Unfortunately, many students miss these opportunities because they either apply late or do not know the requirements. If you are an undergraduate in Nigeria, here are some major opportunities you should consider applying for in 2026 👇 1. MTN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP The MTN Foundation Scholarship is one of the biggest scholarship programmes in Nigeria. It supports: ✔ Science and Technology students ✔ Blind students ✔ Top UTME candidates BENEFIT: Successful applicants can receive about ₦300,000 yearly until graduation if they maintain good academic performance. ELIGIBILITY: ✔ Must be a student in a public tertiary institution ✔ Usually for 200 level students and above ✔ Good CGPA required REVIEW: ✅ Highly reputable and trusted ✅ Strong financial support Very competitive due to large number of applicants 2.NNPC/SEPLAT UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP This is another major scholarship programme sponsored by oil and gas companies. BENEFIT: Around ₦200,000 yearly. ELIGIBILITY: ✔ Must study in a Federal or State University ✔ Minimum CGPA of 3.5 ✔ At least 5 O’Level credits in one sitting ✔ Mostly for science and professional courses REVIEW: ✅ Excellent financial support ✅ Well recognized nationwide High CGPA requirement 3. NNPC/CHEVRON SCHOLARSHIP This scholarship remains one of the most popular in Nigeria because of its benefits and reputation. ELIGIBILITY: ✔ Full-time undergraduate student ✔ Strong academic performance ✔ Approved courses such as Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Law, etc. BENEFIT: About ₦200,000 yearly. REVIEW: ✅ Reliable scholarship programme ✅ Great support for students Extremely competitive 4. NELFUND STUDENT LOAN PROGRAMME The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was introduced by the Federal Government to help students finance their education. Unlike regular scholarships, this is a student loan programme that supports students in Federal tertiary institutions. The programme covers: ✔ Tuition fees ✔ Monthly upkeep allowance ELIGIBILITY: ✔ Must be a Nigerian student ✔ Must gain admission into a recognized Federal tertiary institution ✔ Required academic and personal documents must be provided REVIEW: ✅ Reduces financial pressure on students ✅ Covers both tuition and upkeep ✅ Thousands of students are already benefiting Beneficiaries are expected to repay the loan after graduation according to government guidelines. 5.FEDERAL & STATE GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS Many state governments and the Federal Government also provide bursaries and scholarship schemes yearly. REQUIREMENTS MAY INCLUDE: ✔ Indigene certificate ✔ Student ID card ✔ Admission letter ✔ Good academic results REVIEW: ✅ Easier chances for state indigenes ✅ Less competitive in some cases Payments may sometimes delay 6.SCHOOL-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS Many universities also offer internal scholarships and financial support for students. These may be awarded to: ✔ Best graduating students ✔ Departmental top performers ✔ Financially challenged students IMPORTANT TIPS BEFORE APPLYING ✅ Avoid paying anyone for scholarship forms ✅ Prepare your documents early ✅ Maintain a good CGPA ✅ Apply before deadlines ✅ Be careful of fake scholarship websites FINAL NOTE Many students secure scholarships every year simply because they stay informed and apply early. Do not assume these opportunities are only for extraordinary students. With consistency, proper information, and timely application, you also stand a chance. One scholarship or student support programme can completely change your academic journey. Stay connected with OGB Admission Hub for verified scholarship updates, admission news, Post-UTME guides, and student opportunities.