The Federal Government has announced a 50 per cent increase in scholarship grants for Nigerian students across all tertiary education levels, marking the most comprehensive reform of the national scholarship programme in over a decade.

Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, made the announcement on Wednesday via a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account. He said the reform aims to reduce the financial burden on students and their families, while improving access to quality education nationwide.

“Through the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Government has significantly increased scholarship grants across all academic levels,” Alausa stated. “This initiative is a key pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the heart of Nigeria’s transformation into a $1 trillion economy.”

According to the new structure, PhD students will now receive ₦750,000 annually, up from ₦500,000; Master’s students ₦600,000 (from ₦400,000); and undergraduate, HND, and NCE students ₦450,000 (from ₦300,000).

Alausa emphasised that the restructured programme prioritises merit, equity, and alignment with national development goals, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM), as well as vocational education.

He added that two new strategic scholarship categories have been introduced under the national programme. The first, with an allocation of ₦1 billion, targets STEM and vocational students in public polytechnics. The second, also worth ₦1 billion, is dedicated to students in Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy in public universities.

The Minister said a revised allocation framework had been adopted to promote fairness and impact: 50 per cent of scholarships will be allocated to undergraduates, 25 per cent to Master’s students, and 25 per cent to PhD candidates. Of these, 70 per cent will support students in STEMM disciplines, and 30 per cent in the Social Sciences. In a bid to foster inclusion, five per cent of all scholarships will be reserved for students with disabilities.

Over 15,000 students are expected to benefit from the Nigerian Scholarship Award, Education Bursary Award, and the revamped Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scheme. Alausa confirmed that existing beneficiaries would continue to receive their entitlements.

Implementation of the scheme will be coordinated by the Federal Scholarship Board, in partnership with an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary. The committee includes representatives from the National Assembly, Federal Character Commission, Ministry of Women Affairs, and other key institutions.

Alausa stated that a total of ₦6 billion has been allocated for the 2025–2026 scholarship cycle. “This reform is more than policy; it is a national investment in our youth, our future, and our collective prosperity,” he said.