FG Boosts Student Scholarships by 50%, Unveils N6bn Reform to Support 15,000 Beneficiaries
csrreporters 
The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive ₦6 billion scholarship reform set to benefit over 15,000 students nationwide beginning from the 2025–2026 academic session. The policy, announced by the Minister of Education and shared via the Ministry’s official X (formerly Twitter) platform, marks the most significant overhaul of Nigeria’s scholarship system in over a decade.
The updated framework prioritizes merit, equity, and alignment with national development goals. Special focus will be given to students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medical Sciences (STEMM), and vocational training programmes—areas deemed critical for building a future-ready workforce.
In response to rising education costs, the revised scholarship structure includes a 50% increase across all categories:
- PhD students: ₦750,000 (up from ₦500,000)
- Master’s students: ₦600,000 (up from ₦400,000)
- Undergraduates, HND, and NCE students: ₦450,000 (up from ₦300,000)
All core federal scholarship schemes, including the Nigerian Scholarship Award, will adopt this new structure.
To promote inclusion and fill strategic gaps, two new scholarship categories have been introduced:
- STEM and vocational training students in public polytechnics
- Medical and health science students—such as those studying medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and physiotherapy—in public universities
Each category has been allocated ₦1 billion in dedicated funding.
In addition, the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scheme has been restructured. Rather than funding new overseas scholarships, the focus has shifted toward strengthening domestic awards.
Under the new allocation model:
- 50% of awards will go to undergraduates
- 25% to Master’s students
- 25% to PhD candidates
Of these, 70% will support STEMM courses, while 30% will go to Social Sciences. Notably, 5% of all scholarships will be reserved for students with disabilities, ensuring inclusive access.
The scholarship rollout will be coordinated by the Federal Scholarship Board, working in partnership with an inter-ministerial committee that includes representatives from the National Assembly, the Federal Character Commission, and the Ministry of Women Affairs. This multi-stakeholder oversight aims to uphold transparency and effective implementation.
According to the Minister of Education, the reform is a central part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which sees education as a foundational pillar in Nigeria’s drive toward a $1 trillion economy.