10 Things Students Don’t Know About Scholarships In Nigeria

When you hear the word scholarship, what comes to your mind? For many Nigerian students, it feels like something that is very hard, only reserved for exceptionally brilliant students or those with strong connections. But the truth is, scholarships in Nigeria are more common and accessible than most people think.

Over the years, I’ve met countless students who missed out on great opportunities simply because they didn’t know the basics about Nigerian scholarships. Others applied but didn’t prepare well, and some didn’t even bother because of wrong assumptions. If you’ve ever thought scholarships are “not for people like me,” then this post is for you.

Let’s dive into 10 things Nigerian students don’t know about scholarships, and how this knowledge could change your academic journey.

1. Scholarships in Nigeria Are Not Only for First-Class Students

A common myth is that you must have straight A’s to win a scholarship. Yes, some are merit-based and require high GPAs, but not all. For example, the MTN Foundation Scholarship considers students with a minimum 3.5 CGPA, while others like state government scholarships sometimes accept as low as 2.5.

There are also need-based scholarship opportunities in Nigeria that focus on financial hardship rather than academic excellence. That means even an average student has a fair chance if they apply.

The lesson: Don’t disqualify yourself before applying.

2. Many Scholarships Go Unclaimed Every Year

It might shock you, but several Nigerian scholarships never get awarded because students don’t apply. Either they didn’t know about it, or they assumed it was too competitive. For example, some local government scholarships remain underutilized because students don’t take the time to check their state or LG secretariat.

I know a student from Enugu State who discovered a state scholarship almost by accident. She applied, got accepted, and received full funding for her final year, something she thought was impossible.

The reality: Information is power. Always be on the lookout.

3. Scholarships Aren’t Just for University Students

When people think of scholarships in Nigeria, they often imagine university undergraduates. But scholarships also exist for:

• Secondary school students
• Polytechnic and college of education students
• Postgraduate students (masters and PhD)
• Even professional exams like ICAN or ACCA

For instance, the Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship supports undergraduates, while the PTDF Scholarship funds postgraduate studies abroad.

4. Application Deadlines Come Earlier Than You Expect

Most students miss out because they start searching when it’s already too late. Big scholarship opportunities in Nigeria, like the Chevron/NNPC scholarship, usually close applications months before exams or results are out.

If you only start checking in September, you’ve already missed many. Successful students plan ahead, keep reminders, and even join WhatsApp groups dedicated to scholarship updates.

5. Many Scholarships Cover More Than Just Tuition

Most Nigerian students assume a scholarship only pays school fees. But the truth is, some Nigerian scholarships offer much more. Depending on the sponsor, they may cover:

• Accommodation
• Textbooks and study materials
• Monthly stipends for living expenses
• Laptop grants

For example, some oil company scholarships provide ₦200,000 yearly, which is more than enough for tuition in most public universities.

6. Private Companies Sponsor a Lot of Scholarships in Nigeria

While many students wait for government opportunities, they forget that private organizations and NGOs also play a big role. Companies like MTN, Agbami, Seplat, and Shell have strong scholarship programs.

These scholarships are consistent and often more generous than government ones. Yet, students don’t take them seriously because they think “corporate scholarships” are out of reach.

7. Essays and Personal Statements Can Make or Break Your Application

One hidden truth about scholarship opportunities in Nigeria is that they’re not always about grades alone. Some applications require essays, and this is where many students lose out.

I once helped a friend write his essay for a postgraduate scholarship, and he later told me the panel commended his originality. Meanwhile, many others had copied generic templates from the internet.

8. Networking Helps More Than You Think

Another thing students don’t know is that networking matters. No, I don’t mean “connections” in a negative sense, but surrounding yourself with people who are also applying for scholarships in Nigeria.

Join scholarship groups, follow blogs, connect with alumni who already won scholarships, and share information. Many times, opportunities spread fastest by word of mouth.

9. Fraudulent Scholarships Are Everywhere.

Sadly, for every genuine Nigerian scholarship, there’s a fake one meant to scam students. If a scholarship asks you to pay money upfront to apply, it’s most likely a scam. Real scholarships are free.

Some students have been duped of ₦5,000 or more just to “process” fake applications. Always verify through official company websites, trusted scholarship blogs, or school notice boards.

10. Persistence Is Key, One Rejection Doesn’t Mean the End

Finally, the biggest truth students don’t know is that rejection is part of the process. You might apply for 10 different scholarship opportunities in Nigeria and only get 1. But that one could be life-changing.

I know a guy named “Emmanuel”, he’s an old friend of mine, He kept applying for the NNPC/Total scholarship and got rejected three times. On the fourth try, he got it, and it paid for the rest of his university education.

Conclusion

Scholarships in Nigeria are not as unreachable as many students think. The real problem is lack of awareness, wrong assumptions, and sometimes fear of rejection. By knowing these 10 hidden truths, you already have an edge over thousands of other students.

Remember:

• You don’t have to be a genius to win.
• Many opportunities go unclaimed.
• Scholarships can cover more than tuition.
• And most importantly, persistence pays.

So, whether you’re in secondary school, polytechnic, or university, start searching, prepare your documents early, and never stop applying. Nigerian scholarships could be the ticket that changes your academic story forever.