Education remains the most powerful weapon for changing lives, and in Nigeria, scoring high in WAEC or NECO exams can unlock numerous scholarship opportunities. Whether you aced your SSCE in a public or private school, 2025 offers a growing number of WAEC and NECO-based scholarships that can fund your university education, either partially or fully.
This detailed guide covers the best scholarship opportunities available to Nigerian students who have passed WAEC or NECO, the eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.
1. Federal Government Scholarship Awards (BEA & FSB)
- Provider: Federal Ministry of Education
- Eligibility: High-performing students in WAEC or NECO (minimum of 5 distinctions)
- Benefits: Full or partial tuition, living allowance, and travel allowance
- Application Period: Typically January – March
- How to Apply: fsb.gov.ng
Highlights:
Offered both for local (FSB) and international (BEA) studies, this is Nigeria’s most prestigious government-backed scholarship scheme.
2. MTN Foundation Scholarship for Science & Technology Students
- Eligibility: Minimum of 5 credits in WAEC/NECO including Maths and English
- For: Students pursuing Science & Technology courses in Nigerian tertiary institutions
- Award: N200,000 annually until graduation (renewable)
- Deadline: Usually August – October
- Website: foundation.mtnonline.com
Highlights:
Applicants must have at least 3.5 CGPA in their first year of tertiary education, but SSCE results are part of the screening process.
3. NNPC/TotalEnergies Scholarship
- Eligibility: Minimum of 5 distinctions in WAEC/NECO
- Target: First-year students in federal and state universities
- Award: N150,000 per academic year
- How to Apply: scholarships.totalenergiescsredu.com
Highlights:
One of the most competitive scholarships in Nigeria with nationwide reach and high standards.
4. Jim Ovia Scholars Program
- Eligibility: Outstanding WAEC/NECO result with leadership traits
- Target: Undergraduate students in Nigerian universities
- Award: Full tuition and maintenance
- How to Apply: jimoviafoundation.org
Highlights:
The scholarship emphasizes academic merit and social impact potential.
5. Shell Nigeria University Scholarship Scheme
- Eligibility: Minimum of 5 credits in WAEC/NECO (including Mathematics and English)
- For: First-year students in Nigerian universities
- Award: N200,000 per year
- Website: shell.com.ng
Highlights:
Only available to students from Shell host communities and exceptional candidates nationwide.
6. Agbami Medical and Engineering Professionals Scholarship
- Eligibility: 5 Credits in WAEC/NECO including core science subjects
- Courses: Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering
- Award: N100,000 – N200,000 per year
- Sponsored by: Chevron Nigeria Limited
Highlights:
Open to students nationwide with strong science backgrounds in WAEC/NECO.
7. NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship
- Eligibility: Excellent SSCE results (WAEC or NECO), admission into a federal university
- Award: N300,000 annually
- Website: nlng.com
Highlights:
Covers the entire duration of study and is renewable based on academic performance.
8. University-Specific Entrance Scholarships
Some Nigerian universities offer merit-based entrance scholarships for students with excellent WAEC or NECO scores. Examples include:
- Covenant University (Private)
- Babcock University
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Check university portals or admissions offices for details.
Eligibility Tips for WAEC/NECO-Based Scholarships
To maximize your chances:
- Score at least 5 distinctions (A or B grades) in relevant subjects
- Have clear documentation of your WAEC/NECO result
- Maintain good moral and academic records
- Prepare extra documents like birth certificates, LGA of origin, and admission letters
- Check scholarship deadlines and requirements regularly
How to Apply for WAEC/NECO Scholarships in Nigeria
- Research available scholarships
- Visit official websites to confirm application windows
- Prepare scanned documents (WAEC/NECO result, admission letter, ID, passport photo)
- Fill online application forms
- Follow up for interviews or tests, if applicable
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply for scholarships with my NECO result alone?
Yes. Many Nigerian scholarships accept either WAEC or NECO, as long as you meet the minimum grade requirements.
Q2: Do I need JAMB results too?
Most scholarships for undergraduates require proof of university admission, so yes, JAMB is often necessary.
Q3: Are these scholarships only for science students?
No. While some (like Agbami) focus on science, others are open to all disciplines.
Q4: Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, but you cannot receive funding from more than one source at the same time for the same academic year.
Q5: Are there scholarships for students who wrote WAEC in 2024?
Absolutely. If you wrote WAEC or NECO in 2024 and gained admission in 2025, you're eligible for the 2025 cycle.
Conclusion
If you’ve passed your WAEC or NECO exams with flying colors, you don’t have to let financial challenges hold you back. The 2025 WAEC and NECO-based scholarships in Nigeria provide you with the opportunity to pursue your university dreams tuition-free. Take action today by researching, preparing your documents, and applying before deadlines close.
Don’t just pass WAEC—turn it into a passport to academic success!
