If you are a Nigerian undergraduate who lives with a disability, has lost both parents, or is studying under serious abuse or exploitation, the Anthony Udokwu Foundation 2027/28 University Scholarship was written with you in mind. Applications close on 28 February 2027, and the listing says applying is free. This guide explains who qualifies, what paperwork the listing asks for, and how to prepare so that a missing stamp does not sink your application.
Everything below comes from the official listing summarised on Scholarship Region. Where the listing is silent, I say so and point you to where to check.
What the scholarship offers
The listing describes full tuition support, monthly stipends, empowerment support and mentorship for undergraduates at Nigerian universities. The award type is listed as a grant, and the award amount is "not specified". Language proficiency is not required, and no essay is required.
The listed benefits are:
- Full tuition coverage for the duration of your studies.
- A monthly allowance for upkeep if you are living with a disability.
- Enrolment in one empowerment programme, with funding to help you start an independent life while studying.
- Access to a WhatsApp community with student competitions, cash prizes and giveaways.
Note the detail on the allowance. As written, the monthly allowance is tied to living with a disability. Do not assume every winner receives it. Ask the foundation, or check the portal, if your category is different.
Who can apply
The basic rule is that you must be a registered Nigerian undergraduate. Beyond that, you must fall into one of three groups.
1. Students living with disabilities
- You need official confirmation from your university medical centre or the relevant institutional office.
- Informal letters or unverified statements are not accepted.
- Exception: a clearly verifiable physical disability may be assessed without medical documentation.
2. Orphans
- The scheme is primarily for students who have lost both parents.
- Exceptional cases may be considered where one parent has permanently abandoned or disowned you.
- Your claim must be verified by a recognised community authority, such as a king or traditional ruler. The letter must have official letterhead, a stamp or seal, a hand signature and date, and verifiable contact details with a traceable address.
3. Critical extenuating circumstances, abuse or exploitation
The listing says eligible situations may include, but are not limited to:
- House helps or domestic workers facing exploitation, coercion, unpaid labour or abuse while trying to study.
- Survivors of rape or sexual violence whose education or safety has been disrupted.
- Students facing physical, emotional or sexual abuse from guardians, relatives, employers or authority figures.
- Students pressured for sexual favours or forced labour in exchange for school fees, accommodation or basic needs.
- Marginalised students facing rejection, discrimination or systemic neglect in family or community structures.
All such claims need official, verifiable documentation from a recognised authority who confirms the circumstances as stated. If this is your situation, you may be unsure who that authority could be. Start with the people the listing names, then ask the foundation directly. Do not guess, and never ask anyone to write a statement that is not true. Fabricated letters get applications rejected and can have legal consequences.
Eligible courses
The listing shows a long course list (it mentions more than a thousand entries, including Accountancy, Adult Education, Agricultural Science and Education, Business Education, Arabic and Islamic Studies). Open the full list on the official page and confirm that your exact course name appears. Course names vary between universities, so match the spelling.
How to apply, step by step
- Open the official portal from the Apply Now link on the listing page: Scholarship Region listing.
- Click "Apply for the Scholarship" to reach the application portal.
- Fill in academic, personal and institutional details accurately.
- Upload every document the requirements list asks for, in the format specified.
- Submit before 28 February 2027.
A worked preparation plan (hypothetical)
Say Amaka is a 200-level student whose parents have both died, and her village head knows her family. Working back from the deadline, she could plan like this:
- November: check her course on the eligible list and confirm she is registered as a student. Ask the traditional authority for a letter.
- December: read the letter against the checklist: letterhead, stamp, signature, date, phone number, address. If one item is missing, return it for correction while the office is still open before the holidays.
- January: scan all documents clearly, name files sensibly and save copies on email and a phone.
- Early February: submit, not on the last day, since portals slow down and power or data can fail.
The point is that verification letters depend on other people's schedules. Starting early protects you.
Common mistakes
- Informal letters. A plain note from a pastor, lecturer or relative does not meet the stated standard for disability or orphan claims.
- Missing seal or traceable address. The listing is specific about this. Check each item.
- Wrong course name. Compare against the eligible list.
- Paying anyone. The listing says applications are completely free. Anyone asking for money to "secure" a place is not the foundation. See our guide on spotting fake scholarship agents.
- Leaving it late. Documents from institutions take time.
Writing about hard circumstances safely
No essay is required, but you may still need to describe your situation in forms or when speaking to verifiers. Our post on what to put in a scholarship personal story when life was hard can help you stay factual. If you are in danger now, your safety comes before any application. Speak to a trusted adult, your university's student affairs or counselling office, or the police.
Apply to others in parallel
Funding may not be certain, and the award amount is not specified. Keep applying elsewhere. Our list of closing deadlines and the NNPC/SNEPCo scholarship guide are good places to continue.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an application fee?
The listing says applications are open and completely free.
Can first-year students apply?
The listing says you must be a registered Nigerian undergraduate. It does not break this down by level, so confirm on the portal.
Do I need to write an essay?
The summary says no essay is required.
Is it only for people with disabilities?
No. The three groups are disability, orphanhood or parental abandonment, and serious extenuating circumstances.
What is the amount?
Not specified on the listing. Full tuition is listed as a benefit.
Next step
Today, open the listing, check that your course is on the eligible list, and write down which document you need and who must sign it. Then request it this week.
Sources
Details checked against the official sources above on 1 November 2026. Things change, so confirm on the official site before you act.
Scholarship details, deadlines and eligibility can change. Always confirm on the official website before applying, and never pay anyone who promises to "guarantee" a scholarship.