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In a major boost for higher education funding, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has announced a new scholarship programme targeting undergraduate students in Nigerian Federal and State Universities.
What Happened
Following a strategic meeting with the National Universities Commission (NUC), the ADF disclosed that it will sponsor 30,000 students in the first phase of this initiative. Unlike the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides repayable loans, this ADF initiative is a non-refundable grant.
Following a strategic meeting with the National Universities Commission (NUC), the ADF disclosed that it will sponsor 30,000 students in the first phase of this initiative. Unlike the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides repayable loans, this ADF initiative is a non-refundable grant.
Who Is Affected
Undergraduate students currently enrolled in public universities across all 774 Local Government Areas, with a specific focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine (STEM) disciplines.
Undergraduate students currently enrolled in public universities across all 774 Local Government Areas, with a specific focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine (STEM) disciplines.
Important Figures and Eligibility Conditions
Based on the official NUC briefing, the foundational criteria include:
Based on the official NUC briefing, the foundational criteria include:
- Must be an undergraduate student in a Nigerian Federal or State University.
- Must be studying a STEM or related discipline.
- Must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.5 (Second Class Lower Division).
- Five per cent (5%) of the scholarship quota is strictly reserved for students living with disabilities.
- The scheme is scheduled to commence in October 2026, aligning with the 2026/2027 academic session.
What It Means
This is a significant corporate social responsibility intervention that will reduce the financial burden on thousands of families. Because it is a grant, beneficiaries will not face the future repayment obligations associated with student loans.
This is a significant corporate social responsibility intervention that will reduce the financial burden on thousands of families. Because it is a grant, beneficiaries will not face the future repayment obligations associated with student loans.
What You Should Do Next
Although the application portal is not yet open, eligible students should start preparing now:
Although the application portal is not yet open, eligible students should start preparing now:
- Request your current official transcript or statement of result to verify your CGPA meets the 2.5 minimum.
- Students with disabilities should ensure their medical or disability certification documents are up to date and recognised by their university's student affairs division.
- Monitor the official NUC and Aliko Dangote Foundation channels for the exact portal opening date in October.
Current status: The scholarship is scheduled to commence in October 2026. The application portal is not yet open. This article will be updated with the direct application link once officially released.
Relevant Links
- National Universities Commission (NUC): https://www.nuc.edu.ng
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