Scholarships are a gateway to quality education for many Nigerian students who face financial challenges. Fortunately, several universities across the country offer scholarship opportunities to outstanding and deserving students.
In this post, we present the top 10 universities in Nigeria that offer scholarships in 2025, their types of scholarships (merit-based, need-based, and special programs), and application processes. If you’re a student aspiring to study without financial worries, this guide is for you.
Top 10 Nigerian Universities Offering Scholarships in 2025
1. Covenant University, Ota
Scholarship Type: Merit-based & Need-based
Details: Covenant University offers the David Oyedepo Foundation (DOF) Scholarship, covering full tuition and sometimes living expenses.
Eligibility: High academic performance, leadership qualities, and financial need.
How to Apply: Via the DOF official website or during admission processing.
2. University of Ibadan (UI)
Scholarship Type: Academic excellence awards, federal-based (PTDF, TETFund)
Details: UI offers scholarships via its Student Affairs Division and collaborates with external bodies like MTN Foundation, Agbami, and Shell Nigeria.
Eligibility: First-class students or those with GPAs above 4.0.
How to Apply: Application through the university’s portal and official communication channels.
3. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti
Scholarship Type: Entrance scholarships and sports scholarships
Details: Offers full and partial scholarships to new intakes with high UTME scores and WAEC results.
Eligibility: Minimum of 5 distinctions in WAEC and JAMB scores above 250.
How to Apply: Through ABUAD’s scholarship application form on their website.
4. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
Scholarship Type: Merit, Church-sponsored, and staff wards
Details: Scholarships offered to SDA church members, staff children, and high-performing students.
Eligibility: CGPA above 4.5 or active church involvement.
How to Apply: Internal screening through the university’s financial aid unit.
5. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Scholarship Type: Merit-based and state/federal sponsorships
Details: Through programs like MTN Foundation, Lagos State Government Bursary, and UNILAG Scholars Award.
Eligibility: Minimum CGPA of 4.0 and Lagos State indigene status (for bursaries).
How to Apply: Online application and departmental nomination.
6. Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
Scholarship Type: Academic and sports scholarships
Details: Offers scholarships based on JAMB scores, WAEC results, and performance in sports.
Eligibility: JAMB scores above 240 and minimum of 5 As in WAEC.
How to Apply: Application during admission with supporting documents.
7. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
Scholarship Type: Federal scholarships, NGO-sponsored
Details: OAU connects students to Shell, Agbami, MUSTE, and SEPLAT scholarships.
Eligibility: Minimum CGPA of 3.5 and indigent background for some scholarships.
How to Apply: Visit the university’s website or Student Affairs Office for announcements.
8. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Scholarship Type: Merit-based, STEM-focused programs
Details: Scholarships in collaboration with NNPC, PTDF, and private donors for engineering, tech, and science students.
Eligibility: 3.5 CGPA and above, strong academic background in sciences.
How to Apply: Through the university's scholarship board or NGO portals.
9. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Scholarship Type: Merit-based and partner-sponsored
Details: Access to federal programs and corporate-sponsored scholarships like Total E&P, Shell, and Nigerian Breweries.
Eligibility: Academic excellence and community service participation.
How to Apply: Apply through Student Affairs or official sponsor platforms.
10. Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo
Scholarship Type: State-sponsored bursaries and academic excellence awards
Details: LASU offers bursaries to Lagos indigenes and academic scholarships to top 5% students in each department.
Eligibility: Must be a Lagos indigene or have a CGPA of 4.0 and above.
How to Apply: Via Lagos State Scholarship Board or LASU portal.
Other Honourable Mentions
- Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
- Redeemer’s University
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Tips for Securing Scholarships in Nigerian Universities
- Maintain High Academic Performance: Most scholarships require strong WAEC/JAMB scores or CGPA.
- Apply Early: Keep track of scholarship deadlines.
- Stay Informed: Follow university social media and websites for updates.
- Prepare a Good CV: Highlight achievements, extracurriculars, and community service.
- Write a Strong Personal Statement: Showcase why you deserve the scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for multiple university scholarships?
Yes. As long as you're eligible, you can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously.
2. Do private universities offer scholarships?
Yes. Many private universities offer partial or full scholarships to academically outstanding or financially disadvantaged students.
3. Are there scholarships for Direct Entry (DE) students?
Yes. Some universities extend scholarships to DE students based on CGPA from ND or NCE.
4. Do scholarships cover accommodation and feeding?
Some full scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, and sometimes stipends for feeding and books.
5. Is there an age limit for applying for scholarships?
Not usually, but certain scholarships might have age restrictions. Always read the requirements carefully.
Conclusion
In 2025, Nigerian universities are increasingly investing in scholarship programs to make quality education accessible. Whether you're a first-time UTME applicant or currently studying, the institutions listed above offer great opportunities to fund your education.
Start preparing early, focus on academic excellence, and take advantage of these scholarship options to lighten the financial burden of university education.
