Studying in Nigeria can be expensive, especially with rising tuition fees, accommodation costs, and daily expenses. Fortunately, several reputable scholarship programs provide monthly stipends to support brilliant undergraduates financially. These scholarships do not just cover school fees—they give students steady allowances for feeding, books, transport, and personal upkeep.

If you are an undergraduate in any Nigerian university or polytechnic, here are the best scholarships that pay monthly or yearly stipends and how you can apply for them.

1. MTN Foundation Scholarship

The MTN Foundation Scholarship is one of the most popular and generous scholarship schemes in Nigeria. It rewards high-performing students in science, technology, and blind categories.

Eligibility

• Must be a full-time student in any accredited Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education.
• Minimum CGPA of 3.5 (or its equivalent).
• Blind students in any field can apply.

Benefits

• ₦300,000 annual allowance (can be broken down into monthly upkeep).
• Renewable every year until graduation.

Why It Stands Out

It supports over 500 students yearly and is open to many courses.

2. NNPC / Chevron JV Scholarship

The Chevron Joint Venture Scholarship is a highly competitive award for Nigerian undergraduates, especially those studying science, agriculture, engineering, and related courses.

Eligibility

• Must be a full-time undergraduate in a Nigerian university.
• Excellent academic record.
• Open to 200 level students and above.

Benefits

• Generous monthly stipend paid across the academic year.
• Continuous support until program completion.

Why It Stands Out

It is one of the highest-paying scholarships offered by the oil and gas industry.

3. Federal Government Scholarship (FSB)

The Federal Scholarship Board offers local undergraduate scholarships to support students across all disciplines.

Eligibility

• Nigerian citizenship.
• Minimum CGPA of 4.0 (universities) or 3.5 (polytechnics).
• Must be a student in a recognized institution.

Benefits

• Monthly stipend allocated throughout the academic year.
• Covers books and material allowances.

Why It Stands Out

It is a government-funded scholarship open to thousands of Nigerian students every year.

4. Jim Ovia Scholars Program

Founded by Nigerian business leader Jim Ovia, this scholarship supports outstanding undergraduates regardless of background or course of study.

Eligibility

• Undergraduates in any accredited Nigerian institution.
• Strong academic performance.
• Demonstrated leadership potential.

Benefits

• Full academic funding.
• Monthly or term-based stipend for upkeep.

Why It Stands Out

It supports students from low-income homes and continues throughout the program.

5. Agbami Medical & Engineering Scholarship

This scholarship specifically targets students studying medical and engineering-related courses in Nigerian universities.

Eligibility

• Must be studying Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Engineering, or related fields.
• Strong academic record.
• 100 level and 200 level students.

Benefits

• High-value yearly stipend divided into monthly allowances.
• Renewable based on academic performance.

Why It Stands Out

It is one of the highest-paying scholarships for medical and engineering students.

6. NNPC / SNEPCO National University Scholarship

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) offers undergraduate scholarships to brilliant Nigerian students.

Eligibility

• Must be a Nigerian undergraduate in any accredited university.
• Strong academic performance.
• Open to 200 level students.

Benefits

• Attractive annual scholarship paid in instalments.
• Renewable every year based on academic performance.

Why It Stands Out

Shell scholarships are prestigious and open across many disciplines.

7. Seplat JV Undergraduate Scholarship

Seplat Petroleum offers yearly scholarships to support undergraduates in Nigerian universities.

Eligibility

• Must be a registered undergraduate.
• 200 level and above.
• Good academic performance.

Benefits

• Yearly stipend for upkeep and school-related expenses.
• Renewable through to graduation.

Why It Stands Out

It is open to a wide range of courses and easy to apply for.

8. NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship

The Nigeria LNG Scholarship is designed to support brilliant undergraduates in Nigerian universities.

Eligibility

• Full-time 200 level undergraduates.
• Minimum CGPA of 3.0.
• Must not be a beneficiary of another scholarship.

Benefits

• Annual stipend up to ₦300,000.
• Renewable each year of study.

Why It Stands Out

It provides one of the highest financial supports among corporate scholarships.

9. APM Terminals Scholarship

APM Terminals supports undergraduates, especially those from host communities and maritime-related fields.

Eligibility

• Nigerian undergraduates in recognized institutions.
• Particularly beneficial for maritime-related programs.

Benefits

• Monthly allowances or yearly stipend.
• Covers study materials and living support.

Why It Stands Out

It is ideal for students in maritime, logistics, and engineering fields.

10. Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship

This scholarship supports undergraduates from financially challenged homes.

Eligibility

• Must be an undergraduate in a public institution.
• Good CGPA.
• Proven financial need.

Benefits

• Cash support divided into term-based stipends.
• Open to all courses.

Why It Stands Out

It focuses on helping financially disadvantaged students succeed academically.

How to Improve Your Chances of Winning These Scholarships

Maintain a good CGPA

Most scholarships require a strong academic record.

Apply early

Many students lose opportunities because they apply late.

Prepare your documents

This includes:

• Admission letter
• Birth certificate
• Transcript or statement of results
• School ID
• Passport photograph

Apply for multiple scholarships

Don’t rely on just one opportunity.

Write a compelling personal statement

Share your story, goals, and why you deserve the award.

Wrapping Up…

There are many opportunities for Nigerian undergraduates to get financial support through scholarships that pay monthly or yearly stipends. Whether you’re studying engineering, medicine, social sciences, or arts, there is a scholarship designed for you. Start preparing early, keep your grades strong, and apply to as many programs as possible to increase your chances.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

1. Which scholarship pays the highest stipend in Nigeria?

Agbami, MTN Foundation, NLNG, and Chevron scholarships are among the highest-paying.

2. Can 100-level students apply for scholarships?

Yes. MTN, Agbami, and Jim Ovia accept 100-level students.

3. Do I need a high CGPA to get a scholarship?

Most scholarships require good academic standing, usually from 3.0–3.5 CGPA and above.

4. Are these scholarships available for polytechnic students?

Yes. MTN, Federal Government Scholarship, and Jim Ovia Scholarships accept polytechnic students.

5. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Absolutely. You can apply for multiple scholarships as long as they don’t conflict.