FG increases scholarship grants by 50% for tertiary students nationwide - Newstrends
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FG increases scholarship grants by 50% for tertiary students nationwide

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Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa

FG increases scholarship grants by 50% for tertiary students nationwide

The Federal Government has announced a significant 50% increase in scholarship grants for Nigerian students across all tertiary institutions, marking what it described as the most ambitious reform of the national scholarship programme in over a decade.

Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, made the announcement in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, noting that the move aims to reduce the financial burden on students and their families, while promoting wider access to quality education.

Alausa said, “Through the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Government has significantly increased scholarship grants across all academic levels, easing the financial burden on students and families, while enhancing access to quality education for all. 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.

“To tackle the rising costs of education and to ensure that no deserving student is left behind, scholarship amounts have been increased by 50 per cent across the board. 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 (up from ₦300,000).”

Alausa said the revised programme emphasised merit, equity, and relevance to national development priorities particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medical Sciences (STEMM), and vocational education.

He explained, “These enhanced awards apply to all major programmes, including the Nigerian Scholarship Award. As earlier pledged, we have also restructured the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship scheme.

“While existing beneficiaries will continue to receive their entitlements, funds previously earmarked for new international awards have been repurposed to introduce two new strategic scholarship categories under the national programme. The first targets students in public polytechnics pursuing STEM and vocational training, with ₦1 billion allocated to this group.

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“The second is tailored for students studying Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy in public universities, also supported with ₦1 billion. These new categories reflect our commitment to investing in high-impact sectors critical to national development.”

He stated that the government had introduced a revised allocation framework to ensure fairness and impact.

According to him, under the new structure, 50 per cent of scholarships will go to undergraduate students, 25 per cent to Master’s students, and 25 per cent to PhD candidates.

“Of each category, 70 per cent of awards will support students in STEMM disciplines, while 30 per cent will support the Social Sciences. In a deliberate move to foster inclusion, five per cent of all scholarships will be reserved for students with disabilities,” he said

The minister disclosed that over 15,000 students were expected to benefit from the Nigerian Scholarship Award, Education Bursary Award, and the restructured BEA scheme.

He said the implementation would be coordinated by the Federal Scholarship Board in partnership with an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.

Alausa added, “This committee includes representatives from the National Assembly, Federal Character Commission, Ministry of Women Affairs, and other key institutions to ensure transparency and accountability. With a total budget of ₦6 billion allocated for the 2025–2026 cycle, this reform is more than a policy, it is a bold national investment in our youth, our future, and our collective prosperity.

“We are not just funding education, we are building the human capital foundation for Nigeria’s long-term success. I remain fully committed to ensuring this renewed scholarship programme delivers on its promise, and I call on all stakeholders students, parents, institutions, and the broader public to work with us in realising the full potential of this transformative initiative.”

FG increases scholarship grants by 50% for tertiary students nationwide

Education

WAEC Releases 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE Results, See Details Checking Procedure

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WAEC Releases 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE Results, See Details Checking Procedure

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for private candidates, marking another milestone in its transition to digital assessment.

The examination body announced on Friday that candidates who participated in the first series of the computer-based examination can now access their results, with full access expected to be activated within hours of the release.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, WAEC noted that the adoption of the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format has significantly enhanced the speed and efficiency of result processing, eliminating many of the delays traditionally associated with manual marking systems.

Improved Performance Recorded

A preliminary analysis of the results indicates a modest improvement in candidates’ overall performance. According to data released by the council, about 32.72 per cent of candidates obtained a minimum of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, a key benchmark for academic and career advancement in Nigeria.

WAEC attributed the improvement to increased candidate preparedness, improved examination administration, and the deployment of technology-driven assessment methods.

Malpractice Cases Under Review

Despite the gains recorded, the council disclosed that a number of results have been withheld due to allegations of examination malpractice. WAEC stated that investigations are ongoing and assured that appropriate actions would be taken upon conclusion of the review process.

The council reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of its examinations, warning candidates and stakeholders against engaging in any form of malpractice.

Transition to Digital Examinations

The release of the 2026 CB-WASSCE results underscores WAEC’s broader strategy to modernize its examination system through the adoption of digital technology. The move is expected to improve transparency, reduce human error, and enhance the overall efficiency of the examination process across member countries.

How to Check WAEC Results

WAEC has provided a straightforward process for candidates to access their results online. Candidates are advised to follow the steps below:

  1. Visit the official WAEC result-checking portal at www.waecdirect.org
  2. Enter your Examination Number in the required field
  3. Select the Examination Year (2026)
  4. Choose the appropriate Examination Type (Private Candidate – First Series)
  5. Enter the Card Serial Number found on your scratch card
  6. Input the PIN on the scratch card
  7. Click on “Submit” to view your result

Candidates who encounter delays are advised to remain patient, as access may be staggered due to high traffic on the portal.

WAEC further urged candidates to keep their result-checking details secure and avoid sharing sensitive information with unauthorized persons to prevent fraud.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to continuous innovation in examination delivery, assuring stakeholders that the transition to computer-based testing will further strengthen the credibility of its certificates across the globe.

WAEC Releases 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE Results, See Details Checking Procedure

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NYSC Debunks ‘Ransom Clause’ Rumour, Details Security Measures for Corps Members

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NYSC, members

NYSC Debunks ‘Ransom Clause’ Rumour, Details Security Measures for Corps Members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed as false a viral report alleging that the scheme operates a “ransom clause” and exposes corps members to banditry, insisting that no such provision exists in its legal or operational framework.

The clarification comes amid rising concerns from families over the safety of corps members, especially those deployed to areas considered high-risk. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NYSC, through its Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, described the claim as misleading and alarmist.

According to the scheme, the widely circulated write-up titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits” is entirely unfounded. It stressed that there is no mention of any “ransom clause” in the NYSC Act, bye-laws, or official publications, urging the public to disregard the report.

The NYSC also addressed the case of Musa Usman Abba, which contributed to the controversy. The scheme clarified that Abba is not a serving corps member, noting that he completed his national service in 2023. While expressing sympathy with him and his family over the reported incident, the NYSC emphasized the importance of accurate information to avoid unnecessary panic.

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Reaffirming its commitment to corps members’ safety, the NYSC stated that it continues to work closely with security agencies across the country. It noted that corps members posted to vulnerable areas are provided with enhanced protection, including military escorts. This arrangement, according to the scheme, has been consistently implemented in the North West since 2024 and earlier in parts of the North East.

The scheme further highlighted that it has relocated orientation camps from volatile locations to safer areas in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau, as part of proactive measures to safeguard both corps members and camp officials.

On welfare, the NYSC explained that all corps members are covered by a life insurance policy through Capital Express Assurance Limited, which extends up to three weeks after service completion. In addition, corps members are enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure access to healthcare throughout their service year.

The NYSC reiterated that it places the highest priority on the welfare, safety, and well-being of corps members and staff. It warned that the spread of misinformation, particularly on social media, could heighten anxiety and undermine public confidence in national institutions.

Established in 1973, the NYSC programme was designed to promote national unity and integration by deploying Nigerian graduates to serve in states outside their regions of origin. Despite ongoing security challenges in some parts of the country, the scheme said it has continued to strengthen its safety protocols through strategic deployments, camp relocations, and collaboration with security agencies.

The agency maintained that while concerns about security are valid, false narratives about NYSC and banditry only worsen public fear and misrepresent the efforts being made to protect corps members nationwide.

NYSC Debunks ‘Ransom Clause’ Rumour, Details Security Measures for Corps Members

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NDDC Opens Applications for 2026/2027 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme

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NDDC shortlists applicants for foreign scholarship award

NDDC Opens Applications for 2026/2027 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has opened applications for its Foreign Postgraduate (Master’s Degree) Scholarship Programme for the 2026/2027 academic session, aimed at boosting human capital development across the Niger Delta region.

According to the Commission, the application window opened on March 23, 2026, and will close on April 19, 2026. The programme is designed to support academically qualified indigenes of the Niger Delta in pursuing advanced degrees at recognised international universities.

The initiative is part of efforts to equip young Nigerians with relevant technical, professional, and academic skills needed to participate effectively in the local content programme and compete globally in their respective fields.

The scholarship is open to candidates with a minimum of a Second Class Upper (2:1) or First-Class degree from a recognised university, and applicants must not be above 40 years of age. Eligible candidates must also be indigenes of the Niger Delta region.

The programme covers several disciplines, including Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Medical Sciences, Architecture and Building Technology, and Law.

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Interested applicants are required to submit their applications online via the Commission’s official website, www.nddc.gov.ng, and must upload relevant documents including a recent passport photograph, Local Government Identification letter, postgraduate admission letter from a recognised foreign university, academic certificates, and NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.

Upon successful submission, applicants will receive a registration number and are expected to print and retain their acknowledgment slip for reference. The Commission stressed that applications must be completed within the stipulated deadline, as late submissions will not be considered.

The selection process will involve multiple stages, beginning with preliminary shortlisting based on academic performance, including WASSCE/NECO results, degree classification, and Local Government identification. Shortlisted candidates will then sit for a Computer-Based Test (CBT) to be conducted in Rivers State.

Candidates are required to score at least 70 percent in the CBT to proceed to the next stage. Further verification will be carried out by the candidates’ Local Government Areas and Community Development Committees before final selection.

The NDDC noted that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the CBT and subsequent stages, adding that candidates who are not selected will not receive further communication. It also warned that no deferment or change of institution or course will be permitted once a scholarship is awarded.

Preference will be given to candidates from oil-producing host communities, and the Commission stated that it will ensure a fair distribution of beneficiaries across the Niger Delta states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in the selection process, stating that final decisions remain solely at its discretion.

Applicants and interested persons seeking further information are advised to contact the NDDC through its official communication channels.

NDDC Opens Applications for 2026/2027 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme

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