Introduction
In Nigeria today, the cost of university education continues to weigh heavily on students and families alike. As tuition fees rise and living costs add up, many talented undergraduates struggle to make ends meet. That’s why scholarship programs like the NNPC/TotalEnergies International Scholarship are such a vital lifeline. For 2025, this scheme presents a compelling opportunity for eligible Nigerian students to get financial support and pursue their studies without the constant burden of monetary strain.
What makes this initiative particularly powerful is the partnership between NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited) and TotalEnergies, a global energy company. As part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, they’ve committed to helping undergraduates through this merit-based program. In this post, we’ll break down what the scholarship is, who qualifies, how to apply, the benefits, and some key insights to guide potential applicants.
What Is the NNPC/TotalEnergies Scholarship?
At its core, the NNPC/TotalEnergies Scholarship is a CSR-backed educational grant aimed at fostering academic excellence and supporting Nigerian students in higher education. There are a couple of strands to the program, but for undergraduates, the relevant arm is the National Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMSS). (csr-ngscholarship.totalenergies.com)
It’s important to clarify a common misconception: despite the name “International Scholarship” in some resources, the undergraduate merit scheme is not about studying abroad. Instead, it’s about financial support for Nigerian students in local (Nigerian) universities. (Jobgurus Services)
Key Details: What’s on Offer in 2025
Here are the core details for the 2025 iteration of the scholarship:
| Scholarship Feature | 2025 NMSS (Undergraduate) |
|---|---|
| Eligible Level | 100 or 200 level undergraduate students in Nigerian universities (Hot Nigerian Jobs) |
| Minimum JAMB Score | 200 (Hot Nigerian Jobs) |
| CGPA Requirement (for 200-level) | ≥ 2.5 on a 5.0 scale (HARNOE) |
| Fields of Study | All disciplines in NUC-accredited Nigerian public universities (uknia.com) |
| Scholarship Value | ₦150,000 per year (reported estimate) (uknia.com) |
| Duration | Renewable annually until graduation (subject to performance) (uknia.com) |
| Application Mode | Online via TotalEnergies CSR scholarship portal (HARNOE) |
| Deadline (2025) | July 1, 2025 (jobs.careersnigeria.net) |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting + Computer-based Test (CBT) at designated centers; applicants bear own transport cost to test venue (SwiftSchoolNews) |
Who Is Eligible?
Understanding eligibility is crucial, because many applicants get disqualified simply for not meeting one of the key criteria. Here’s a breakdown of who can apply and common pitfalls to avoid.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a full-time undergraduate at a Nigerian university accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). (Hot Nigerian Jobs)
- Be in 100-level or 200-level at the time of application. (SwiftSchoolNews)
- Score at least 200 in the UTME (JAMB) exam. (HARNOE)
- If you’re in 200-level, have a minimum CGPA of 2.5 on a 5-point scale. (HARNOE)
- Applicants should not already be beneficiaries of similar oil and gas industry scholarships. (SwiftSchoolNews)
Not Eligible:
- Students in 300-level or above are not eligible. (Hot Nigerian Jobs)
- Part-time or distance learning students generally do not qualify. (uknia.com)
- Candidates with UTME scores below 200 or, for 200-level, CGPA below 2.5. (HARNOE)
Why This Scholarship Matters
1. Financial Relief
Even though ₦150,000 per annum might not cover all education costs (tuition, accommodation, books, and so on), it represents a substantial contribution — especially in the Nigerian context. For many families, this level of support can be the difference between staying in school or dropping out.
2. Merit-Based Access
The scholarship is merit-driven: UTME scores, CGPA, and CBT performance are all factored in. This ensures that students who are serious about their education and achieving academically have a fair shot. It’s not just a handout; it’s rooted in performance and potential.
3. CSR Impact
By running this scholarship, NNPC and TotalEnergies are demonstrating concrete corporate social responsibility (CSR). They’re investing in local talent, promoting education, and supporting social development in Nigeria.
4. Career and Exposure Opportunities
Even though this scheme is for undergraduates in Nigerian universities, it’s run by an energy company. Scholarship recipients may gain visibility and networking opportunities within TotalEnergies or related industry organizations. Over time, this could translate into internships, job prospects, or other professional pathways.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying might seem daunting, but breaking it down makes it more manageable:
- Visit the Official Portal
Applications are submitted via the TotalEnergies CSR scholarship site. (csr-ngscholarship.totalenergies.com) - Register & Create an Account
You’ll likely need to provide a valid email, personal details, and academic information. - Prepare Required Documents
Commonly required documents include:- Passport photograph
- UTME result slip (JAMB)
- University admission letter
- O’Level results (WAEC/NECO)
- University ID or departmental ID
- Birth certificate or age affidavit
(uknia.com)
- Fill Out the Application Form Carefully
Make sure you correctly input your academic level (100 or 200), your UTME score, and your CGPA (if you’re 200-level). - Submit & Confirm
After uploading documents and completing the form, review your application. Once everything looks good, submit. Don’t forget to save or print a confirmation slip or receipt for your records. - Shortlist Stage
If you make it past the first screening, you’ll be shortlisted. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take a Computer-Based Test (CBT) at a center near them. (SwiftSchoolNews)- The test will cover reasoning, possibly current affairs, and other relevant topics.
- Note: transportation costs to the test center are borne by the candidate, so plan accordingly when choosing a center. (SwiftSchoolNews)
- Final Award Notification
After the CBT, successful candidates are notified (usually via email or the scholarship portal) and awarded the scholarship. (uknia.com)
Key Insights & Considerations
Here are some reflections and practical tips that can help prospective applicants make the most of this opportunity:
Insight 1: Competition Is Real, But Not Impossible
Because this is a merit-based scholarship backed by a major corporation, competition will be stiff. But the eligibility criteria are clear, and if you meet them and prepare well for the CBT, your chances improve significantly.
Insight 2: Plan for CBT Costs
Many applicants overlook the fact that they have to pay their way to the CBT testing center. This is not just about academic readiness — it’s logistical planning too. Choose a test center wisely and budget for transportation.
Insight 3: Maintain Good Academic Standing
Since the award is renewable annually (provided you maintain performance), it’s not enough just to win the scholarship once. You must continue to do well in your university to keep it.
Insight 4: Leverage the Opportunity Beyond Money
Winning this scholarship doesn’t just ease financial burdens — it can also be a resume booster. When future employers see that you were chosen by NNPC/TotalEnergies, it speaks to your discipline, academic ability, and recognition by a major industry player.
Insight 5: Beware of Scams
TotalEnergies is very clear: applications must be made via their official CSR scholarship portal, and they do not charge any application fees or solicit money. (csr-ngscholarship.totalenergies.com) Be wary of third-party agents or “consultants” asking for payment. Always cross-check application links and avoid paying to “guarantee” the scholarship.
Comparison: NMSS vs. Other Scholarship Options
To give context on how this scholarship stacks up, let’s compare it with some other common Nigerian scholarship schemes (or similar CSR scholarships):
| Scholarship | Target Group | Value / Benefit | Duration | Competitive Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NNPC/TotalEnergies NMSS (this one) | 100–200 level Nigerian undergraduates | ₦150,000/year (estimate) | Renewable to graduation | Backed by major energy company; CSR recognition; merit-based |
| Federal Government Scholarships | All tertiary students (varies) | Variable; often tuition + stipend | Varies by program | Government-backed; may cover more costs but less predictable or consistent |
| Other Oil & Gas CSR Scholarships | Undergraduates in selected disciplines (e.g., engineering) | Varies by company | Varies | Tied to specific host communities or disciplines |
Potential Challenges
While the NNPC/TotalEnergies Scholarship is a great opportunity, there are real challenges that prospective applicants should be mindful of:
- Financial Gap: ₦150,000 may not fully cover all university-related expenses (like accommodation, books, or transport), so students may still need other support.
- Geographical Barrier: For the CBT, students may need to travel to test centers, which may be costly or logistically difficult depending on where they are.
- Sustained Performance: Since the award is not a one-off but renewable, students must maintain their CGPA and academic performance — failure to do so may lead to loss of the scholarship.
- Application Volume: There will likely be high demand, making the shortlisting stage competitive.
- Scam Risks: Because of the scholarship’s prestige, there is a risk of fraudulent “consultants” or agents. Students must apply only through legitimate channels.
Why This Scholarship Is a Big Deal for Nigeria
Beyond the direct benefits to individual students, this scholarship has broader social and developmental significance:
- Empowering Youth: By supporting educational attainment, NNPC and TotalEnergies are investing in Nigeria’s future leaders — particularly in a context where access to quality higher education remains a challenge for many.
- Corporate Accountability: The partnership demonstrates how big companies can give back meaningfully to the communities where they operate, using CSR not just for branding but for real social impact.
- Economic Growth: Well-educated graduates contribute positively to the economy. Supporting undergraduates helps build a more skilled workforce, which in turn could strengthen Nigeria’s socioeconomic fabric.
- Education Equity: By targeting students across all disciplines (not just technical or STEM), the scholarship helps widen access to higher education in a way that is relatively inclusive within the undergraduate space.
Conclusion
The 2025 NNPC/TotalEnergies International Scholarship (NMSS) is a compelling opportunity for Nigerian undergraduates who meet its merit-based criteria. While it may not fully cover every cost of university life, the financial support, prestige, and exposure make it a powerful resource for students who need help to stay in school and excel.
If you’re eligible (100 or 200 level, good UTME score, solid CGPA), it’s absolutely worth applying. Take the time to prepare your documents, plan for the CBT, and submit a strong, honest application. Even if you don’t get selected on your first try, the process itself is worthwhile — applying for such scholarships helps build your experience and resilience.
I hope this guide helps you understand the NNPC/TotalEnergies Scholarship better and positions you well to apply. If you want, I can also help you prepare for the CBT, suggest practice resources, or walk you through a sample application — just say the word.
Good luck, and may you land that scholarship!