If you’re a student in Nigeria, you’ve probably heard it before: “School na scam.” But let’s be honest — what’s really a scam is missing out on scholarships that could have helped you finish school without spending a dime.
Too many students in Nigeria believe that scholarships are just for the rich, the geniuses, or the ones with international connections.
Not true.
There are hundreds of scholarships available to Nigerian students every year, and many of them don’t require top grades, political connections, or long application essays.
Whether you're in secondary school, polytechnic, or university, here are 10 amazing scholarship programs that could pay your way through school in 2025 — and yes, some don’t even ask for your CGPA.
1. PTDF Overseas and Local Scholarships
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is one of the most generous scholarship providers in Nigeria.
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💰 Covers tuition, accommodation, flight, and living expenses
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📍 Available for MSc and PhD programs
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🌍 Study either in Nigeria or in countries like the UK, Germany, and Malaysia
Tip: This one is highly competitive, but totally worth it.
2. NNPC/SNEPCo National University Scholarship
This is for undergraduates studying in any Nigerian university.
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💰 ₦200,000/year until graduation
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🎯 Must be in 200 level (or above) in a recognized university
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📚 Open to all departments
3. MTN Foundation Scholarship
Yes — MTN is not just about data and airtime. They sponsor hundreds of students every year.
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💰 ₦200,000/year
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🎓 For 300-level students in public tertiary institutions
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🧾 Now includes visually impaired students in all levels
4. Agbami Medical & Engineering Scholarship
Sponsored by Chevron and its partners, this program supports students in medical and engineering fields.
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💰 ₦100,000/year
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🎯 For full-time 100/200-level students
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🏥 Covers Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, and Pharmacy
5. Federal Government Scholarship Scheme (BEA)
This is one of the most official scholarship schemes — backed by the Federal Ministry of Education.
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💰 Fully funded: tuition, travel, upkeep
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🌍 Study abroad in countries like Russia, Hungary, China
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🎓 For undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
6. Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship
Founded by the Zenith Bank founder, this one supports bright students across Nigeria.
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💰 Full tuition, maintenance allowance, and access to the Jim Ovia Scholar Network
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💡 Apply early — slots fill fast
7. Lagos State Scholarship & Bursary
If you’re a Lagos resident or schooling in Lagos, this is for you.
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💰 Up to ₦200,000 depending on level and program
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📍 Open to Lagos indigenes in Nigerian tertiary institutions
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🏛️ Apply via the Lagos State Scholarship Board
8. NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship
From the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, this scholarship helps smart undergrads across Nigeria.
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💰 ₦300,000/year
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🎯 Open to 100-level students in any accredited university
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📚 Open to all disciplines
9. DAAD Scholarships (Study in Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers full postgraduate scholarships to Nigerians.
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💰 Tuition, airfare, stipend, and health insurance
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🌍 Study in Germany — all in English
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📅 Application cycles open between October–February
10. Your State or LGA Scholarship
We can’t stress this enough: Don’t ignore your state or local government area (LGA). Most of them offer hidden scholarships and bursaries, especially if you’re an indigene.
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💡 Check with your local council, ministry of education, or traditional ruler
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📋 Usually requires a simple application, letter of indigene, and school ID
✨ Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be the best in your class to get a scholarship in Nigeria.
Sometimes all you need is the right information at the right time — and that’s what this blog is for. These are legit opportunities, many of which are still open for applications this year.
So whether you want to finish your studies here or dream of going abroad, this list should be your launchpad.
📌 Bookmark this page. Share with your friends.
📥 Apply now — the earlier, the better.
📚 More Scholarship Resources:
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[Top Scholarships That Don’t Require JAMB Scores]
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[Free Study Abroad Grants for Nigerians in 2025]
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[Tips for Winning Multiple Scholarships Without Killing Yourself]
💬 Know another scholarship we missed?
Drop it in the comments — we update this list regularly.