The Federal Government has approved a 50 per cent increase in scholarship grants for students in tertiary institutions as part of a sweeping reform of Nigeria’s national scholarship programme, described as the most ambitious overhaul in over a decade.
Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, announced the policy shift in a statement issued Wednesday, saying it reflects the administration’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and promoting inclusive education.
Under the revised framework, PhD students will now receive ₦750,000 annually (up from ₦500,000), Master’s students ₦600,000 (up from ₦400,000), and undergraduates, HND, and NCE students ₦450,000 (up from ₦300,000).
“This initiative is a key pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the heart of Nigeria’s transformation into a $1 trillion economy,” Alausa said.
The minister explained that the reform aims to reduce the financial burden on students and families while ensuring that no deserving candidate is left behind. He said over 15,000 students are expected to benefit from the Nigerian Scholarship Award, the Education Bursary Award, and a restructured Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scheme in the 2025–2026 academic cycle.
Two new scholarship categories have also been introduced to reflect national priorities. One targets students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and vocational education in public polytechnics, with a ₦1 billion allocation. The second focuses on students studying Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy in public universities, also with ₦1 billion earmarked.
To ensure equitable distribution, 50 per cent of the scholarships will go to undergraduate students, while 25 per cent each will be allocated to Master’s and PhD candidates. Of each category, 70 per cent of awards will support students in STEMM disciplines, with 30 per cent designated for the Social Sciences. Five per cent of all scholarships will be reserved for students with disabilities.
The Federal Scholarship Board will oversee the programme’s implementation in collaboration with an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary. The committee includes representatives from the National Assembly, Federal Character Commission, Ministry of Women Affairs, and other institutions.
“With a total budget of ₦6 billion allocated for the 2025–2026 cycle, this reform is more than a policy—it is a bold national investment in our youth, our future, and our collective prosperity,” Alausa stated. “We are not just funding education—we are building the human capital foundation for Nigeria’s long-term success.”
