Choosing one of the best universities in Nigeria for postgraduate scholarships can make a huge difference for all those facing a major challenge about the cost of tuition and research.
Postgraduate study in Nigeria is becoming more popular, especially as more graduates look for ways to gain advanced skills, grow academically, and position themselves for global opportunities.
Some universities have stronger funding systems, more research grants, more academic partnerships, and better internal scholarship structures. This article breaks down the top universities known for supporting postgraduate students, what they offer, and how to increase your chances of winning a scholarship.
Disclaimer Notice: This is a general educational blog, giving out information concerning scholarship, school fees, Cut off marks, student results, admission form, and other school news guides. We are not affiliated with the Government or any educational institution.
Why Scholarship-Friendly Universities Matter
Not all Nigerian universities invest the same level of funding in postgraduate programmes. Some provide several types of support, including:
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Merit-based postgraduate scholarships
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Faculty research grants
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Teaching or research assistantships
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Fee waivers for high-performing students
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Scholarships tied to donors, alumni, or academic partners
When a university has a strong scholarship culture, postgraduate students enjoy three major advantages: reduced financial burden, better research opportunities, and a more supportive academic environment.
Best Universities in Nigeria for Postgraduate Scholarships
Below is the list of Best Universities in Nigeria for Postgraduate Scholarships.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan is widely recognised for excellence in postgraduate training. Many faculties offer internal scholarships, research grants, and postgraduate awards for outstanding students.
What makes UI a top pick
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Strong research culture and highly experienced supervisors
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Competitive but accessible postgraduate scholarships
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Active departments with large postgraduate populations
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Good environment for academic growth and thesis research
UI is especially strong in fields such as Public Health, Humanities, Agriculture, Education, Science, and Social Sciences. Students with solid undergraduate grades often have good chances of qualifying for merit-based awards.
2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
OAU has one of the most organised postgraduate colleges in Nigeria. The university is known for transparency, academic structure, and a long history of supporting postgraduate research through grants and assistantships.
Why many postgraduate students choose OAU
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Wide range of Master’s, MPhil, and PhD programmes
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Periodic internal grants for research-oriented students
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Faculty-based support for thesis work
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Good supervision and strong academic discipline
OAU’s postgraduate college is also known for clear admission requirements and reliable processes, making it a preferred destination for students who value structure and consistency.
3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
ABU is one of the most scholarship-friendly universities in Nigeria, especially for postgraduate students in Engineering, Agriculture, Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Environmental Studies.
Why ABU remains a leading choice
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Large research facilities and laboratories
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Access to internal and faculty-funded scholarships
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Strong history of awarding merit-based support
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Large number of supervisors across many fields
Students who want technical or research-heavy programmes often find ABU very rewarding because the university attracts funding from government agencies, international partners, and research organisations.
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
UNN is another strong university for postgraduate studies, especially for candidates with clear research interests. Several departments run annual scholarship competitions, including grant opportunities tied to research projects.
Why UNN is a good option
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Broad list of postgraduate programmes
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Multiple internal and external scholarship links
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Strong academic reputation
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Good supervision in many faculties
UNN is particularly strong in the Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture, Education, and Arts. Students with good proposals usually stand better chances of getting support.
5. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
UNIBEN is known for its structured postgraduate programmes and fair admission system. While scholarship numbers vary across faculties, the university still provides several internal and externally supported opportunities each year.
Why UNIBEN is worth considering
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Well-organised postgraduate school
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Several faculties support students through research-based funding
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Strong academic programmes
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A good option for students within Edo State who prefer to study close to home
UNIBEN remains a practical choice for students who want a combination of affordability, credibility, and moderate scholarship opportunities.
6. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
FUTA has built a strong name in technology and applied sciences. The university attracts research partnerships that sometimes result in postgraduate funding, especially for students working on innovative or scientific topics.
Why FUTA makes the list
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Strong STEM focus
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Support for research-driven postgraduate theses
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Good supervision and structured postgraduate programmes
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Opportunities tied to technological and environmental projects
Students in Engineering, Earth Sciences, Computing, and Environmental Studies will find FUTA particularly rewarding.
7. Covenant University
Although tuition is higher compared to public universities, Covenant University offers postgraduate funding, research assistantships, and merit-based opportunities for high-performing students.
Why Covenant University is an option to consider
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Strong research output
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Modern facilities and reliable academic structure
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Internal postgraduate funding based on performance
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Good environment for focused study
Covenant shines in Management Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Applied Sciences.
8. Nile University of Nigeria
Nile University has expanded its postgraduate programmes and offers various levels of postgraduate scholarships, especially for students with excellent grades.
Why Nile University may be a good choice
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Modern classrooms, labs, and research equipment
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Tuition discounts and merit-based scholarships
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Small class sizes and personalised supervision
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Friendly environment for postgraduate research
It’s especially strong in Computer Science, Law, Communication, and Business-related fields.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Postgraduate Scholarship
Getting admitted is one thing — winning a scholarship is another. Here are ways to improve your chances:
1. Maintain a strong academic record
Most postgraduate scholarships in Nigeria favour students with:
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First Class or strong Second Class Upper
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Research-related skills
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Good undergraduate project scores
2. Prepare a clear research proposal
For research-based Master’s and PhD programmes, your proposal can determine whether a supervisor or department is willing to support you.
3. Apply early
Waiting until deadlines reduces your chances. Early applications help departments plan supervision and funding allocation.
4. Stay open to multiple universities
Sometimes one university may not have funds in your chosen department, while another does.
5. Follow official postgraduate school announcements
Most universities release scholarship updates through their postgraduate websites, bulletins, or departmental boards.
Which University Should You Choose? (Quick Recommendation Guide)
Here’s a fast breakdown depending on your priority:
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Best overall for postgraduate scholarships – University of Ibadan (UI)
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Best for science, engineering, and technology funding – ABU Zaria or FUTA
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Best for structured and organised postgraduate systems – OAU Ile-Ife
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Best for students in southern Nigeria wanting convenience – UNIBEN
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Best private university scholarship options – Covenant University or Nile University
Conclusion
Choosing the best university in Nigeria for postgraduate scholarships depends on your field, academic background, and research interests. But to conclude, universities such as UI, OAU, ABU, UNN, and UNIBEN consistently stand out for scholarship opportunities and strong postgraduate programmes.
So it doesn’t matter if you’re planning for a Master’s, MPhil, or PhD, the best path is to target universities with solid research culture, scholarship structures, and supportive academic environments. With a strong application, good grades, and a clear research direction, your chances of securing postgraduate funding increase significantly.