Top 10 Best Universities for Scholarships in Nigeria

Nigeria’s higher education system is a cornerstone of opportunity, with universities playing a pivotal role in nurturing talent through robust scholarship programs. These scholarships, ranging from merit-based to need-based and externally funded, alleviate financial burdens and enable students to pursue their academic and professional aspirations which makes it one of the best Universities for scholarships in Nigeria.

Below is a comprehensive exploration of the top 10 Nigerian universities renowned for their scholarship offerings, highlighting their programs, application processes, and unique strengths. This list is informed by recent data, academic reputation, and partnerships with industry and government, ensuring a detailed guide for prospective students.

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Nestled in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is a premier federal institution celebrated for its academic excellence and diverse scholarship opportunities. UNILAG supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students with a variety of financial aid options, making it a top destination for scholarship seekers.

• Scholarship Offerings:
  
  
  
  • Merit Scholarships: Awarded to students with exceptional academic records, typically requiring a CGPA of 4.0 or higher for continuing students or high UTME/WAEC scores for freshers.
    
    
  • Need-based Scholarships: Targeted at students from low-income backgrounds, requiring proof of financial hardship, such as income statements or community leader endorsements.
    
    
  • Postgraduate Scholarships: Available for research-based programs in fields like Engineering, Medicine, and Social Sciences.
    
    
  • External Scholarships: UNILAG partners with organizations like the MTN Foundation, Shell Nigeria, Chevron, and the Jim Ovia Foundation, offering awards like the MTN Foundation Scholarship, which provides up to ₦200,000 annually for science and technology students.
    
    
  • Special Awards: Scholarships for students excelling in sports, arts, or leadership, such as the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship.
    
    
• Application Process: Managed through UNILAG’s Student Affairs Division, applications are submitted via the university’s online portal. Required documents include academic transcripts, JAMB/WAEC results, and proof of financial need for specific awards. Deadlines are typically announced at the start of the academic session.
  
  
• Why UNILAG Stands Out: Its urban location, strong industry connections, and diverse programs attract significant funding from local and international sponsors.
  
  
• Tip: Monitor UNILAG’s scholarship page and verified X accounts like @UnilagNigeria for real-time updates on opportunities and deadlines.
  
  

2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

Located in the historic town of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is renowned for its academic rigor and picturesque campus. OAU’s scholarship programs reward excellence and support financially challenged students, making it a top choice in southwestern Nigeria.

• Scholarship Offerings:
  
  • Merit Scholarships: For students with CGPAs of 4.0 or higher in disciplines like Law, Medicine, and Engineering.
    
    
  • Need-based Scholarships: For students demonstrating financial need, requiring documents like income statements or affidavits.
    
    
  • External Funding: Partnerships with government agencies like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and corporate sponsors such as Total E&P and Nigerian Breweries.
    
    
  • Faculty-Specific Awards: Some departments offer scholarships for top performers, particularly in STEM fields.
    
    
• Application Process: Applications are processed through OAU’s scholarship office or online portal, requiring academic records, JAMB/WAEC results, and sometimes an essay or interview. Deadlines are announced annually, often mid-session.
  
  
• Why OAU Stands Out: Its academic prestige and strong alumni network attract substantial external funding.
  
  
• Tip: Engage with OAU’s student union or academic advisors to stay informed about internal scholarship opportunities.
  
  

3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

Based in Zaria, Kaduna State, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is a leading northern Nigerian institution with a focus on research and community development. Its diverse scholarship programs cater to a wide range of students.

• Scholarship Offerings:
  
  
  
  • Entrance Scholarships: For new students with UTME scores above 250 and strong WAEC results.
    
    
  • Academic Excellence Awards: For continuing students with CGPAs of 4.0 or higher.
    
    
  • External Scholarships: Partnerships with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), MTN Foundation, and Chevron provide funding, especially for Engineering and Medicine students.
    
    
  • Regional Scholarships: Awards targeting students from northern Nigeria to promote regional education.
    
    
• Application Process: Applications are handled through ABU’s scholarship office or platforms like Scholastica. Required documents include academic transcripts and proof of eligibility, with deadlines typically mid-session.
  
  
• Why ABU Stands Out: Its large student body and research focus attract significant government and industry funding.
  
  
• Tip: Check ABU’s official website and scholarship portals like ScholarshipAir for application updates.
  
  

4. University of Ibadan (UI)

As Nigeria’s oldest university, the University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State holds a prestigious reputation globally. Its competitive scholarship programs support academic excellence and research.

• Scholarship Offerings:
  
  
  
  • Merit-based Scholarships: For students with first-class honors or CGPAs above 4.0.
    
    
  • External Partnerships: Collaborations with sponsors like the Agbami Scholarship (for medical and engineering students), Shell Nigeria, and the Jim Ovia Foundation.
    
    
  • Research Grants: Postgraduate scholarships for students in Medicine, Sciences, and Humanities.
    
    
• Application Process: Managed through UI’s Student Affairs Division, applications require academic records, recommendation letters, and sometimes interviews. External scholarships may use platforms like Scholastica.
  
  
• Why UI Stands Out: Its academic legacy and alumni network make it a prime target for corporate and international sponsors.
  
  
• Tip: Build a strong academic portfolio, as UI prioritizes excellence and leadership.
  
  

5. Covenant University

Covenant University, a private institution in Ota, Ogun State, is known for its Christian ethos, modern facilities, and industry collaborations. Its scholarship programs are among the best in private universities.

• Scholarship Offerings:
  
  
  
  • David Oyedepo Foundation (DOF) Scholarship: Covers full tuition and sometimes living expenses for students with high academic performance, leadership qualities, and financial need.
    
    
  • Merit-based Scholarships: For students with UTME scores of 280+ and excellent WAEC results.
    
    
  • STEM Scholarships: Funded by partners like NNPC, PTDF, and private donors, targeting science and engineering students.
    
    
• Application Process: Applications are submitted through Covenant’s scholarship office or external platforms, requiring JAMB/WAEC results, essays, and proof of financial need.
  
  
• Why Covenant Stands Out: Its focus on innovation and global competitiveness attracts significant funding.
  
  
• Tip: Highlight leadership and community service in applications, as Covenant values holistic development.
  
  

6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Located in Enugu State, UNN is a federal university with a strong academic tradition and growing international presence. Its scholarship programs support diverse students.

• Scholarship Offerings:
  
  
  
  • Merit Scholarships: For students with high CGPAs or excellent entrance exam results.
    
    
  • External Scholarships: Partnerships with Shell, Total E&P, and Nigerian Breweries fund STEM and humanities students.
    
    
  • Need-based Awards: For financially disadvantaged students with academic promise.
    
    
• Application Process: Applications are handled through UNN’s scholarship office or external platforms, with deadlines announced annually.
  
  
• Why UNN Stands Out: Its diverse programs and industry ties ensure robust scholarship opportunities.
  
  
• Tip: Follow UNN’s website and X pages for scholarship updates.
  
  

7. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)

Based in Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD is a private university excelling in medical and legal education. Its scholarship programs attract talented students.

• Scholarship Offerings:
  
  
  
  • Entrance Scholarships: For students with UTME scores above 250 and WAEC distinctions.
    
    
  • Sports Scholarships: For athletes with national or professional achievements.
    
    
  • Merit-based Scholarships: For high-performing students in Law, Medicine, and Engineering.
    
    
• Application Process: Applications are submitted through ABUAD’s portal, requiring academic records and recommendation letters.
  
  
• Why ABUAD Stands Out: Its modern facilities and corporate partnerships enhance scholarship access.
  
  
• Tip: Emphasize academic and extracurricular achievements.
  
  

8. Lagos State University (LASU)

LASU, a state university in Lagos, prioritizes indigenes but also supports high-performing students.

• Scholarship Offerings:
  
  
  
  • State-sponsored Bursaries: For Lagos indigenes with financial need.
    
    
  • Academic Excellence Awards: For students in the top 5% of their departments.
    
    
• Application Process: Managed through LASU’s bursary office, requiring proof of indigeneity and academic records.
  
  
• Why LASU Stands Out: Its focus on local students makes it a key player for state-specific aid.
  
  
• Tip: Verify indigene status early to qualify for state-funded awards.
  
  

9. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

UNIBEN, in Benin City, is a federal university with a strong scholarship portfolio.

• Scholarship Offerings:
  
  
  
  • Merit Scholarships: For students with high CGPAs.
    
    
  • Need-based Scholarships: For financially challenged students.
    
    
  • External Scholarships: Partnerships with international and local sponsors.
    
    
• Application Process: Applications are submitted through UNIBEN’s scholarship office or external platforms.
  
  
• Why UNIBEN Stands Out: Its diverse programs attract significant funding.
  
  
• Tip: Stay updated via UNIBEN’s website for deadlines.
  
  

10. Nile University of Nigeria

Located in Abuja, Nile University is a private institution with a strong scholarship program.

• Scholarship Offerings:
  
  
  
  • Merit-based Scholarships: For students with JAMB scores of 320+ and 6 A1s in WAEC.
    
    
  • Sports Scholarships: For athletes with national achievements.
    
    
• Application Process: Applications are submitted through Nile’s portal, requiring academic records and essays.
  
  
• Why Nile Stands Out: Its international network and focus on excellence make it a scholarship hub.
  
  
• Tip: Highlight academic and athletic achievements.
  
  

Conclusion

Access to scholarships in Nigeria’s top universities opens doors for students to achieve academic and professional success despite financial challenges. Institutions like UNILAG, OAU, ABU, and UI lead with their diverse merit-based, need-based, and external scholarship programs, supported by partnerships with organizations like MTN Foundation, Shell, and the Jim Ovia Foundation. Private universities like Covenant, ABUAD, and Nile University complement these efforts with innovative funding models, while LASU focuses on state-specific aid. To maximize opportunities, students should research early, prepare required documents (JAMB/WAEC results, academic transcripts, proof of financial need), and adhere to deadlines.