Introduction
If you’re a Nigerian undergraduate looking for financial support, the oil & energy sector in Nigeria offers a rich source of scholarship opportunities. These are not just random grants, many are structured by major oil and gas companies in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) or by sector-related agencies, with the intention of nurturing the next generation of professionals in engineering, geosciences, law, economics, and more. Knowing about these programmes, how they differ, and how to prepare can significantly raise your chances of success.
In this post I highlight 11 key undergraduate scholarship awards (2025/26 cycle) relevant to Nigerians in the oil and energy space. We’ll cover what they are, eligibility criteria, what makes them unique, compare them in a table, then pull out key insights and wrap up with practical steps. The tone is friendly and relatable – imagine us chatting over coffee about how you could land one of these awards.
Why focus on oil & energy sector scholarships?
The oil & energy sector in Nigeria has long been a major employer and driver of investment in human-capital. Companies in this sector are required (or strongly encouraged) to invest in education, training and community development. For example, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) explicitly states that its undergraduate scholarship component is targeted at “students in 200 level… core oil and gas related courses”. (ptdf.gov.ng)
Because of this, if you are an undergraduate in a Nigerian university (especially in a relevant field) there are realistic scholarship tracks to pursue. The benefit: less tuition stress, more ability to focus on study, and the possibility of networking within the oil & energy ecosystem.
The 11 Essential Scholarships
Here are 11 prominent scholarship awards worth tracking. I’ve listed them roughly in alphabetical order of sponsor for clarity.
| # | Scholarship Name | Sponsor(s) & Year | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NNPC/ Seplat JV National Undergraduate Scholarship | NNPC & Seplat Energy (2025) (StudyPlace NG) | Annual grant (≈ ₦200,000) for undergraduates 200 level+ in Nigerian universities; wide fields including STEM, law, accountancy. |
| 2 | NNPC/ SNEPCo (Shell) National University Scholarship | NNPC & Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Company (SNEPCo) (2025) (myschoolscholarships.org) | Merit-based award for 200 level full-time undergraduates; CGPA 3.5+; annual grant ≈ ₦200,000. |
| 3 | NNPC/ Chevron Undergraduate Scholarship | NNPC & Chevron Nigeria Limited JV (2025) (myschoolscholarships.org) | Award ≈ ₦200,000/year; broad eligibility across courses including engineering, law, medicine. |
| 4 | NNPC/ TotalEnergies Undergraduate Scholarship | NNPC & TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria Limited (2025) (uknia.com) | For full-time undergraduates in Nigerian universities; value ≈ ₦150,000/year (based on 2025 terms). |
| 5 | Heirs Oil & Gas University Scholarship (OML 17) | Heirs Oil & Gas (OML 17 host-community scheme) (2025) (myschoolscholarships.org) | ₦200,000/year for undergraduates from OML 17 host communities; full‐time enrolled in Nigeria; maintaining CGPA 3.0+. |
| 6 | PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship | Petroleum Technology Development Fund (in-country undergraduate segment) (ptdf.gov.ng) | Targeted at 200 level students, especially in oil/gas-related courses; selection via aptitude test; CGPA 3.0+. |
| 7 | NNPC/ Oando (NAOC) JV Tertiary Scholarship | NNPC, Oando PLC & Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) (2025 lists) (StudyPlace NG) | Annual grant ≈ ₦200,000 for 200 level undergraduates; two categories (National Merit + Host Community Merit). |
| 8 | NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship | Nigeria LNG Limited (2025 estimates) (StudyPlace NG) | For 100 level undergraduates; award ~₦300,000 annually; wide disciplines. |
| 9 | Midwestern Oil & Gas JV Undergraduate Scholarship | JV of Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited (and others) (2025 list) (StudyPlace NG) | For 200 level students (often from Delta State host communities) with CGPA 3.5+; annual grant ~₦200,000. |
| 10 | MRS Oil & Gas Scholarship | MRS Oil Nigeria Limited (2025 list) (StudyPlace NG) | 100 level undergraduates renewable annually; wide courses across disciplines. |
| 11 | Agbami Medical & Engineering Professionals Scholarship | JV (e.g., Agbami Exploration & Production Company) (2025 list) (StudyPlace NG) | Targeted at first year (100 level) students in Medicine, Engineering, Geosciences; value ~₦200,000/year. |
What sets them apart?
While many of these awards share common features, here are differentiator points to watch:
- Level of study when eligible: Some scholarships begin in 100 level (first year) while others require you to be 200 level (second year). For example, the NLNG scheme is for 100 level students, whereas NNPC/SNEPCo and NNPC/Seplat typically target 200 level and above.
- Annual grant amount: While many are around ₦200,000/year, some (like NLNG) offer more (~₦300,000) and the TotalEnergies scheme is slightly lower in the 2025 cycle (~₦150,000/year) per available info.
- Field eligibility: Some awards restrict to certain disciplines (e.g., oil/gas related, Engineering/Geosciences) while others are more open (all disciplines). For example, PTDF emphasises “core Oil & Gas related courses.” (ptdf.gov.ng)
- Host-community vs national merit: Many JVs offer both a “national merit” category (open to all Nigerians) and a “host community/area of operation” category (for students from states where the company operates). Example: NNPC/Oando JV.
- Renewable until graduation vs one-off: Some scholarships are renewable each year provided you maintain academic standing; others might be fixed for a shorter term.
- Additional perks / processes: Some require computer-based tests (CBT). For example, NNPC/SNEPCo lists CBT as part of selection. (myschoolscholarships.org)
Insights & Practical Tips for Applicants
Based on the above and general scholarship-application wisdom, here are key insights and actionable tips:
- Start early: Know which level you must be (100 vs 200 level) and mark deadlines. Many cycles open mid/late year and close within weeks.
- Maintain strong CGPA: Most state a minimum CGPA (3.0/5.0 or 3.5/5.0) or require proof of good academic standing.
- Ensure you meet O’Level and JAMB scores: These are standard prerequisites (5 credits including Maths & English, admission via JAMB).
- Check eligibility around other scholarships: Many require you not to be a beneficiary of any other oil & gas industry scholarship.
- Prepare for computer-based tests: For several schemes, shortlisted candidates take CBTs, so practicing aptitude, reasoning, and numerical skills helps.
- Tailor your essay/statements if required: Even if not always publicised, strong personal statements can help you stand out.
- Keep your documents ready: Passport photo, admission letter, school ID, O’Level results, local government letter, etc.
- Host-community streams: If you’re from a state where the sponsoring entity operates (e.g., Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, Rivers for many JV schemes), check whether a host-community category exists and evaluate eligibility.
- Discipline flexibility: Even if you are not exactly in an oil/gas major, many of these scholarships are open to wide disciplines (business, law, architecture, etc).
- Renewal conditions: Understand whether the award is annually renewable and whether you must maintain metrics (CGPA, full-time enrolment) each year.
- Beware of scams: Legitimate programmes are free to apply, have no “agent fees”, provide clear online application portals and official documentation. Always apply through the official portal.
Comparison Table: Quick View
Below is a comparative snapshot of selected scholarships (for clarity) to help you see at a glance:
| Scholarship | Level Eligible | Approx Annual Value | Field Restrictions | Host Community Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NNPC/Seplat JV | 200 level & above | ₦200,000 | STEM, Law, Accountancy, Management (StudyPlace NG) | Yes (host states) |
| NNPC/SNEPCo | 200 level & above | ₦200,000 | Broad; full-time undergrads (myschoolscholarships.org) | No explicit HC only |
| NNPC/Chevron | 200 level & above | ₦200,000 | Broad (engineering, law, medicine etc) (myschoolscholarships.org) | No explicit HC only |
| NNPC/TotalEnergies | 100 level | ₦150,000 (2025) (uknia.com) | All accredited courses | National |
| Heirs OML 17 | Any level (undergrad) | ₦200,000 | Accredited undergrad full-time (myschoolscholarships.org) | Yes (OML 17 host community) |
| PTDF UG | 200 level | Varies | Must be oil & gas-related courses (ptdf.gov.ng) | National |
Why this matters right now (2025/26)
- The Nigerian oil and energy sector is under renewed focus on local capacity‐building and human capital development. Scholarships signal companies’ commitment to nurturing talent as they invest and expand operations.
- For you as a student, getting one of these scholarships gives more than money — it offers prestige, networking opportunity, and sometimes increased chances for internships or employment in the sector.
- Being proactive now (for the 2025/26 cycle) is critical: many applications open and close within a short window, and competition is high — knowing the landscape gives you an advantage.
- Whether you are in STEM, business, law, communications, or social sciences, many of the awards are open to broad disciplines — so don’t self-exclude thinking “I’m not engineering”.
Conclusion
If you’re an undergraduate in Nigeria looking for support from the oil & energy sector, the 11 scholarship awards listed above represent a strong roadmap to explore in 2025/26. Each carries its own eligibility rules, nuances and deadlines — but they share the common goal of investing in young Nigerians and helping to shape a future workforce for the energy industry.
Here’s a simple plan of action:
- Pick 2-3 scholarship schemes that you qualify for (based on your level, field, state of origin).
- Gather and verify all necessary documents now (O’Level results, JAMB admission letter, CGPA transcripts).
- Prepare academically (maintain CGPA, practise for aptitude tests) and stay alert to application announcements.
- Submit applications early, and after submission monitor your email for any test invitations or updates.
- If you succeed, stay committed (renew as needed, maintain performance) so you can continue to benefit year-on-year.
Scholarships like these not only relieve financial stress but they also signal to future employers that you’ve been recognised for excellence and potential a meaningful boost in your early career years.
Wishing you all the best.