EDUCATION

Top Private Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2025

Many Nigerian students dream of pursuing higher education, but financial challenges often stand in the way. Scholarships provide an opportunity to ease the burden of tuition fees and other expenses. While government scholarships are common, private scholarships also offer great support to students across various fields.

Private scholarships are sponsored by organizations, companies, and individuals who aim to support education and empower young talents. These scholarships are often competitive but rewarding, offering full or partial funding to cover tuition, accommodation, books, and living expenses.

If you’re a Nigerian student looking for funding opportunities in 2025, here are some top private scholarships to consider:

1. MTN Foundation Scholarship

The MTN Foundation Scholarship is one of the most popular scholarships for Nigerian students. It supports outstanding students in tertiary institutions across the country. The scholarship is open to 300-level students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be a full-time student in a public tertiary institution
Must have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 (Second Class Upper or its equivalent)
Studying a STEM-related course

Benefits:

N200,000 annually until graduation (if the student maintains the required CGPA)

2. Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship

The Agbami Scholarship is sponsored by Chevron and its partners in the Agbami Joint Venture. It is aimed at students studying medicine, surgery, dentistry, and engineering courses in Nigerian universities.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be a full-time undergraduate student
Must be in 100 or 200 level
Studying engineering or medical-related courses

Benefits:

N200,000 for engineering students
N300,000 for medical students

3. NNPC/TotalEnergies Scholarship

NNPC and TotalEnergies offer annual scholarships to Nigerian students in public universities. The scholarship is open to first and second-year students across various fields of study.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be a registered full-time undergraduate student
Must have gained admission through UTME
Must have a minimum CGPA of 2.50 on a 5-point scale

Benefits:

N150,000 annually until graduation

ALSO READ: Engineering Scholarships for Nigerian Students to Study Abroad

4. Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship

The Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship aims to support academically talented Nigerian students who lack the financial means to pursue higher education. The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students in Nigerian institutions.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be a Nigerian citizen
Must be enrolled in a Nigerian university
Must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need

Benefits:

Full or partial tuition coverage
Annual renewal based on academic performance

ALSO READ: Nigerian Government Scholarships for Undergraduate Students: How to Apply

5. NLNG Scholarship

The Nigeria LNG Limited Scholarship supports Nigerian students in various fields of study. The scholarship program is open to undergraduate students in Nigerian universities.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be a full-time student in a recognized Nigerian university
Must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 5-point scale
Must be in 200 level or above

Benefits:

N300,000 annually until graduation

ALSO READ: Scholarships for Undergraduate Students in Nigerian Universities

6. David Oyedepo Foundation Scholarship

The David Oyedepo Foundation Scholarship provides full-tuition scholarships to qualified individuals who are passionate about leadership and academic excellence. The scholarship is open to both Nigerian and African students studying at Covenant University and Landmark University.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must have obtained at least five distinctions (A or B grades) in O’Level examinations
Must be between 16 and 25 years old
Must demonstrate leadership potential

Benefits:

Full tuition coverage
Accommodation and living allowance

7. SEPLAT JV Scholarship

SEPLAT, in partnership with its joint venture partners, offers scholarships to undergraduate students in Nigerian universities. The scholarship is open to students studying selected courses in Nigerian institutions.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be in 200 level or above
Studying courses such as engineering, medicine, law, and social sciences
Must have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5-point scale

Benefits:

N200,000 annually until graduation

8. Guinness Nigeria Scholarship

Guinness Nigeria offers scholarships to Nigerian students studying engineering, food science, microbiology, and other related courses. The scholarship is aimed at supporting students in public universities.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be a Nigerian citizen
Must be a full-time undergraduate student
Must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 5-point scale

Benefits:

Full tuition coverage

ALSO READ: Engineering Scholarships for Nigerian HND Students

9. Shell Nigeria University Scholarship

Shell Nigeria offers annual scholarships to undergraduate students studying in Nigerian universities. The scholarship is open to students from host communities and other parts of the country.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be a full-time student in a Nigerian university
Must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 5-point scale
Must be in 200 level or above

Benefits:

N200,000 annually until graduation

10. Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship

Stanbic IBTC offers scholarships to Nigerian students who excel in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The scholarship supports students in public universities across the country.