Education in Nigeria is now so expensive, but scholarships give many students the opportunity to study without financial stress. Every year, state governments, federal agencies, and corporate organizations release scholarship schemes for Nigerian students.
This show will reveal the list of open scholarships in Nigeria by state 2026. You will learn where to apply, how to check deadlines, and what documents you need to prepare. The article also includes nationwide opportunities like MTN Foundation, PTDF, and NLNG scholarships.
By the end of reading this post, you’ll have a clear list of scholarship opportunities and practical steps to increase your chances of being successfully selected.
Why You Should Check State Scholarships
Many students rush only to apply for national or international scholarships, forgetting that state scholarships are often easier to get. Here’s why:
- They usually target indigenes and residents, which means fewer competitors.
- State governments often pay bursaries directly into student accounts.
- Some scholarships are renewable every year until graduation.
- They help reduce tuition costs, living expenses, or exam fees.
So, while you should apply for national scholarships, always check your state’s portal first.
Nationwide Scholarships Open to All States in 2026
Before we show you the list of open scholarships in Nigeria by state, here are some national opportunities every Nigerian student should check as well:
- NLNG Scholarships:Â According to the Nigeria LNG official website, they run Post-Primary, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate scholarships. These are among the most competitive but rewarding scholarships.
- PTDF Scholarships:Â The Petroleum Technology Development Fund offers in-country and overseas postgraduate scholarships. According to the PTDF official portal, applications are usually announced annually.
- MTN Foundation Scholarships:Â According to MTN Foundation, they sponsor students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as Music and Arts programs.
- NDDC Scholarships:Â The Niger Delta Development Commission provides scholarships for postgraduate students who are indigenes of Niger Delta states.
- Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship: According to Stanbic IBTC Foundation, this scheme is open to 100-level students across the country.
Read Our Latest Post on: How to Get Free Visa and Scholarship to Study Abroad
List of Open Scholarships in Nigeria by State (2026)
Below is the organized list of open scholarships in Nigeria by state you should know and apply to:
Lagos State
According to the Lagos State Scholarship Board official portal, the state runs bursaries and scholarship awards every year for indigenes studying in Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
Open opportunities in 2026 include:
- Lagos State Bursary Award
- Lagos State Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships
- Corporate scholarships like Stanbic IBTC and private NGOs
How to Apply:
Visit the Lagos State Scholarship Board portal, create an account, fill the form, and upload required documents such as LASRRA ID, admission letter, and certificate of origin.
Abia State
Abia State has several scholarship opportunities, especially from foundations. According to the Alex Otti Foundation, the organization provides annual undergraduate scholarships to Abia indigenes.
Also, students from Abia are eligible for the NDDC Scholarship Scheme as Abia is one of the Niger Delta states.
Documents usually required include:
- WAEC or NECO results
- Admission letter
- Local government of origin certificate
- Academic transcript
Rivers State
According to the list of open scholarships in Nigeria by state, Rivers State indigenes often benefit from Post-Primary and Undergraduate scholarships(NLNG’s official scholarship portal).
In addition, the Rivers State Government runs bursaries for local students, while Rivers State University advertises internal grants.
Akwa Ibom & Bayelsa States
Both states benefit from NDDC scholarships and host community scholarships from oil and gas companies. According to the NDDC portal, postgraduate students from Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa can apply each year.
Some NGOs and local philanthropists also run smaller bursaries for indigenes of these states.
Delta, Edo, Ondo, Imo
- Delta State: Scholarships and bursaries are available through the Delta State Scholarship Board.
- Edo State: Edo State offers bursaries and sometimes merit-based scholarships for students.
- Ondo State: According to the Ondo State Scholarship Board, students can apply for annual bursaries and grants.
- Imo State: Local foundations and state bursaries are available for undergraduates and postgraduates.
Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi
- Anambra State: According to the OCI Foundation, indigene students can apply for health and academic scholarships.
- Enugu State: The Enugu State Scholarship and Education Loans Board provides scholarships for both undergraduates and postgraduates.
- Ebonyi State: State government bursaries are available for students with valid proof of origin.
Ogun, Oyo, Osun
- Ogun State:Â Check out the Ogun State Scholarship Board, bursaries and technical scholarships under OGSTEP are available.
- Oyo State: Provides merit-based scholarships and state bursaries.
- Osun State: Local government bursaries and state-level awards are common.
Northern States (Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa)
- Kano State: According to Kano State Scholarship Board announcements, bursaries are usually awarded to indigenes.
- Kaduna & Katsina: Offer bursaries for undergraduates and postgraduates.
- Borno State:Â Check Borno State Scholarship Board, the state runs annual scholarship schemes for university and polytechnic students.
- Yobe & Adamawa: These states offer bursaries and merit-based awards to students from low-income backgrounds.
Middle Belt (Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Kogi)
These states usually release scholarship forms through their Ministries of Education. Applications are often paper-based, and students are required to submit documents to designated offices.
Read Also: How to Write Scholarship Essays for Nigerian Students
How to Apply for State Scholarships
While the requirements may differ a bit, most Nigerian state scholarships ask for the following documents when registering:
- Admission letter
- Certificate of origin or indigene certificate
- Birth certificate
- Academic transcripts or WAEC/NECO results
- Student ID card
- Passport photographs(5 copies)
Tips to Win State Scholarships
- Apply early to avoid technical issues.
- Always prepare your documents ahead of the deadline.
- Write a clear personal statement explaining why you deserve the award.
- Use official government portals only to avoid scams.
- Follow up with your state scholarship board for updates.
Avoiding Scholarship Scams
- Never pay money into personal accounts for scholarships.
- Always check announcements on official state portals.
- Confirm with your school’s Student Affairs office before applying.
- Be wary of social media adverts without government or foundation backing.
Check Also: How to Write NECO Scholarships for Nigerian Students
FAQs for the List of Open Scholarships in Nigeria by State
Q1. Can non-indigenes apply for state scholarships?
Most are for indigenes, but some allow residents who have lived in the state for a number of years.
Q2. Do all states offer scholarships?
Yes, but the funding and frequency is different from one State to another. Some states give more regular bursaries than others.
Q3. Can I apply for more than one state scholarship?
Yes, but you must meet the eligibility requirements of each state.
Q4. Do scholarships cover full tuition?
Sure. Some cover tuition fully, while others only provide stipends.
Q5. When do applications usually open?
Most state scholarship applications open between March and September each year.
Conclusion
The list of open scholarships in Nigeria by state 2026 shows that there are many opportunities available for Nigerian students if you know where to look. So whether you are in Lagos, Abia, Kano, or Rivers, your state government likely has a scholarship or bursary program waiting for you.
All you have to do is apply for state scholarships with national schemes like MTN Foundation, NLNG, and PTDF to increase the opportunity of funding your education.
Overall, research more, stay alert, prepare your documents early, and always apply through official portals.
Hope someone finds this helpful.
Good luck!
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