In a significant development for higher education in Nigeria, several private universities have substantially expanded their scholarship and financial aid programs for the 2026 academic year. These institutions are actively working to support academically strong students who face financial challenges, offering various funding opportunities that range from fully funded awards to partial tuition support.
Private Universities Breaking Cost Barriers
While private universities in Nigeria are often perceived as expensive educational options, a growing number of these institutions have established structured scholarship and financial aid programs. These initiatives serve dual purposes: they function as welfare measures for deserving students while simultaneously helping universities attract top academic talent and promote excellence across various disciplines.
From comprehensive scholarship ecosystems to targeted financial assistance programs, these private institutions are creating clear pathways for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to access quality education regardless of their financial circumstances.
Five Leading Scholarship Providers
1. Covenant University, Ota
Covenant University operates one of the most comprehensive and visible scholarship ecosystems among private universities in Nigeria. The institution offers both fully funded and partially funded scholarships across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, creating multiple opportunities for deserving students.
Specialized opportunities include the Covenant University International Excellence Scholarship, specifically designed for non-Nigerian applicants admitted into master's programs. Another significant option is the CApIC ACE Scholarship, supported by the World Bank through the African Centre of Excellence initiative, which focuses on disciplines including bioinformatics, computer science, biochemistry, and information and communication engineering.
Additionally, the David Oyedepo Foundation Scholarship provides full funding for selected African students to study at Covenant University, subject to competitive selection processes and specific eligibility requirements.
2. Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
Nile University offers a broad range of merit-based scholarships directly tied to academic performance. Undergraduate applicants may qualify for tuition reductions or full scholarships based on their JAMB scores and O Level results, with exceptional candidates eligible for complete funding covering 100 percent of tuition costs.
The institution extends similar opportunities to students with strong A-level results and provides substantial tuition support for first-class graduates pursuing master's programs at the university. Beyond academic scholarships, Nile University offers sports scholarships for students who represent the institution at national or professional levels, along with sibling discounts and institutional sponsorship incentives.
3. Babcock University, Ilishan Remo
Babcock University provides multiple need-based and special circumstance scholarships through its comprehensive financial aid framework. These include the Adopt A Student Scholarship Scheme, which supports students with proven financial needs, and the PCF Education Endowment Fund designed specifically for students who have lost a parent or sponsor during their studies.
Other available options include scholarships sponsored by the Springtime Development Foundation, support funds managed by the university's scholarship committee, and tuition-focused awards for indigenes of Ilishan. Most of these scholarship schemes combine academic performance requirements with evidence of financial need, ensuring support reaches the most deserving candidates.
4. Pan Atlantic University, Lagos
Pan Atlantic University offers structured tuition fee assistance for undergraduate students who demonstrate both strong academic ability and financial need. The university awards scholarships to a limited percentage of the student population each academic session, with a small number receiving near-complete funding while others receive partial support.
The institution also operates sibling tuition discounts and a work-study program that allows students to earn income through on-campus employment. Additional financing options include flexible payment plans and tuition pre-payment arrangements, providing multiple pathways for students to manage their educational expenses.
5. Al Hikmah University, Ilorin
Al Hikmah University provides targeted scholarship support, particularly within its agricultural science program. The institution offers scholarships covering the first three years of study for early cohorts admitted into agricultural disciplines, an initiative specifically designed to encourage enrollment in agricultural programs and support students during the foundational stages of their education.
Academic Excellence Recognition
It is noteworthy that Covenant University, one of the featured scholarship providers, recently emerged as Nigeria's top university in the Times Higher Education 2025 Rankings. This comprehensive global assessment evaluated 2000 universities across 115 countries and regions based on 18 indicators measuring performance in teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook.
The expansion of scholarship programs across these private universities represents a significant step toward making quality higher education more accessible in Nigeria. These initiatives not only support individual students but also contribute to national development by nurturing talented individuals who might otherwise be unable to pursue university education due to financial constraints.
