Applications are now open for the 2026 Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) Scholars Program.
The NHEF Scholars Program identifies outstanding young Nigerians from its Partner Universities who have demonstrated strong academic excellence, leadership ability, and commitment to community service. Selected scholars receive intensive career training and skill-building support to prepare them for long-term professional success.
If you are eligible, make sure you apply before the deadline.
Program Summary
Host: Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF)
Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Internships | Training
Eligible Country: Nigeria
Reward: Scholarship | Paid Internship | Career Training | Mentorship | Networking Opportunities
Deadline: March 13, 2026
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About the NHEF Scholars Program
The NHEF Scholars Program is an early career-accelerating initiative that provides diverse professional opportunities to selected students from NHEF Partner Universities.
Each scholar participates in a week-long orientation program focused on:
Career development training
Leadership development
Professional skills enhancement
Transition preparation for the global workforce
Following the orientation, scholars undertake 6–8 week internship placements with NHEF Partner Firms and continue with a structured personal and professional development curriculum.
NHEF Partner Universities
The program is open to students from the following institutions:
Ahmadu Bello University
Bayero University Kano
University of Ibadan
University of Lagos
University of Nigeria Nsukka
University of Port Harcourt
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 NHEF Scholars Program, applicants must:
Be penultimate-year students:
300-level students in a 4-year course, or
400-level students in a 5-year course
Be enrolled in one of the NHEF Partner Universities
Demonstrate strong commitment to:
Leadership
Community service
Philanthropy
Creating lasting global impact
Benefits of the NHEF Scholars Program
The program is designed to empower talented Nigerian students with the skills, exposure, and networks needed to excel as leaders and professionals.
Benefits include:
Fully funded scholarship support
Paid internship placements (6–8 weeks)
Flights, accommodation, and meals (where applicable)
Access to CEOs, Managing Directors, and industry leaders
Mentorship and networking opportunities
Intensive training by international facilitators
Continuous personal and professional development
Required Documents
Applicants must upload the following (in PDF format):
One-page Curriculum Vitae (CV)
One-page Cover Letter
Most recent Statement of Result
How to Apply
To apply for the 2026 NHEF Scholars Program:
1. Visit the official NHEF application portal.
2. Create an account using:
First and last name
Email address
Phone number
Password
3. Verify your email address.
4. Log in to your account.
5. Click on the APPLY tab from your dashboard.
6. Complete the bio-data section and essay questions.
7. Upload all required documents (PDF format).
8. Review your application carefully and submit.
Important Note:
The application cannot be saved. Applicants are advised to prepare essay responses in a separate document (e.g., Microsoft Word) before starting the online application to avoid losing progress.
Application Deadline
March 13, 2026
Interested and qualified candidates should apply before the deadline.
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