Massive Education Win: Federal Government Raises Scholarships, PhD Students Hit ₦750,000 Jackpot

The Federal Government has announced a 50% increase in annual scholarship grants across all academic tiers as part of a major overhaul of the national scholarship programme.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, revealed this on Tuesday, noting that the move is designed to cushion the impact of rising education costs and enhance access to quality education for Nigerian students.

Under the revised scheme:

• PhD students will now receive ₦750,000 annually, up from ₦500,000.

• Master’s students will get ₦600,000, increased from ₦400,000.

• Undergraduate, HND, and NCE students will receive ₦450,000, up from ₦300,000.

Dr. Alausa said the reform ensures financial support for capable students, regardless of their economic background.

As part of the new plan, two additional scholarship categories have been introduced. These will be funded through a reallocation of resources from the Bilateral Education Agreements (BEA).

Specifically:

• ₦1 billion has been allocated for students in STEM and vocational courses at public polytechnics.

• Another ₦1 billion is reserved for students studying medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and physiotherapy at public universities.

“These categories reflect national education priorities and aim to boost Nigeria’s capacity in science and healthcare,” Alausa explained.

Equity-Based Distribution

To promote fairness and ensure greater impact, a new allocation framework has been adopted:

• 50% of all scholarships will go to undergraduates.

• 25% will be allocated to Master’s students.

• The remaining 25% to PhD candidates.

Additionally, 70% of the scholarships will be directed to STEM fields, while 30% will support students in the Social Sciences. A special 5% reserve is set aside for students with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity.

Over 15,000 Beneficiaries Expected

The comprehensive scholarship programme—which includes the Nigerian Scholarship Award, the Education Bursary Award, and the restructured BEA scheme—is projected to benefit over 15,000 students in the 2025–2026 academic session.

With a ₦6 billion budget, the initiative will be managed by the Federal Scholarship Board in collaboration with an Inter-Ministerial Committee led by the Ministry of Education’s Permanent Secretary.

Dr. Alausa described the initiative as more than financial aid, calling it a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in delivering scholarship programmes that align with the nation’s development goals.