The Federal Government of Nigeria is currently calling on interested Nigerians to apply for the ongoing scholarships to study abroad; both graduate and undergraduate programmes.
The Nigeria Federal Government Scholarship Program is a prestigious opportunity for Nigerian students who are looking to pursue their higher education. This programme is run through the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB).
The scholarship program is open to students who have been accepted into tertiary institutions within Nigeria and abroad.
The program is competitive, and there are specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify.
This guide will provide an overview of the application process as well as tips on how to put your best foot forward and increase your chances of being selected for the scholarship.
Available Programmes
The Federal Government Scholarship has FOUR different scholarships available for Nigerian undergraduates, masters, and PhD holders. The scholarships include the following:
1. Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA)
This scholarship is for students who have been accepted to a degree program in one of Nigeria’s partner countries.
The scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees, as well as a monthly stipend. You can visit: https://fsbn.com.ng/scholarship for more information.
2. Nigerian Awards
This scholarship is for students who are enrolled in a postgraduate program at a university in Nigeria. It covers the cost of tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend.
3. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
This scholarship is for Nigerian citizens who are studying in a Commonwealth country. It covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and other costs.
The scholarship is highly competitive and is awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need.
4. General Duties Scholarship
This scholarship is for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the Nigerian public service.
It covers the cost of tuition and fees, as well as a monthly stipend. Upon graduation, recipients of this scholarship are required to serve in the public service for a period of time.
Eligibility criteria
- For postgraduate studies, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 5.0.
- Applicants must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program and be within the age limits of 35 years for Master’s degree programs and 40 years for PhD programs.
- Applicants must also be registered as full-time students at a federal or state university.
- For undergraduate and higher national diploma programs, applicants must be registered as full-time students in their second year or above at a federal or state university, polytechnic, monoethnic, or college of education.
- Additionally, applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 to 4.0.
Eligible fields of study
The Federal Government Scholarship program covers a wide range of fields of study, including science and technology, medicine and paramedics, education, agriculture, liberal arts/social/Management sciences, entrepreneurship, ICT, environmental sciences, and law.
The program aims to support the development of Nigeria’s workforce and encourage academic excellence.
With this scholarship, students can gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact in their chosen field.
How to Apply for the Federal Government Scholarship
- To apply for the Federal Government Scholarship, interested students should visit the Federal Ministry of Education’s website at www.education.gov.ng.
- On the home page, they should click on the Federal Scholarship Board icon.
- Then, they should carefully read the guidelines for the currently ongoing scholarship, whether for study in Nigeria or abroad.
- They should then complete the application form online and print the examination slip. It is important to note that double entries will be disqualified.
When submitting the application, students should attach the following documents:
- Letter of admission from the university or institution
- School identity card
- Relevant certificates and transcripts
- National identification number (NIN)
- Local government identification letter
- Passport photographs
- Curriculum vitae
All documents should be submitted in PDF format.
The portal will not accept documents in any other format.
It is also important to ensure that all documents are clear and legible.
What to do after being shortlisted for the scholarship
After the Federal Scholarship Board has chosen a candidate, that candidate will need to submit the following documents:
- Certified copies of academic certificates
- A page from a current international passport
- Medical reports from a government hospital, as required
- National identification number (NIN)
- Police clearance certificate, if required
The documents should be sent to the board by the due date, as specified in the scholarship guidelines. The board will not consider any documents that are submitted after the deadline.
Benefits of the Federal Government Scholarship
- The federal government scholarship covers full tuition, fees, and other expenses for the stipulated number of years of your course of study.
- The tuition and housing costs are covered by the participating countries, while the Nigerian government provides a monthly stipend, a warm clothes allowance, health insurance, research grants (if applicable), and a one-time take-off grant.
- The financial support offered by the scholarship helps to cover the basic needs of students and allows them to focus on their studies.
- It also provides a safety net for students who may otherwise not be able to afford the costs of living and studying in a foreign country.
Conclusion
Overall, the Federal Government Scholarship is an invaluable opportunity for students who are looking to further their education and broaden their horizons.
It provides a comprehensive support package that helps to remove the financial barriers that may otherwise prevent students from pursuing their studies.
With the support of the scholarship, students are able to focus on their studies, knowing that their basic needs are taken care of.
This can lead to greater success in their academic and professional lives.
