Apply for ₦1m Research Grants and Scholarships
Nigerian students and early-career researchers can now apply for the 2026 Gabriel Ezenri Foundation (GEF) funding opportunities.
This provides undergraduate scholarships of up to ₦500,000 and research grants worth as much as ₦1 million.
The foundation, which focuses on expanding access to education and strengthening research in Nigeria, is offering funding across three tracks: Scholarships, Research Grants and Academia Support. Applicants can select only one track during the 2026 application cycle.
What the Opportunity Offers
Under the scholarship programme, selected undergraduate students can receive up to ₦500,000 per academic session to support tuition and registration fees, learning materials and a modest living stipend.
The scholarship is designed for outstanding undergraduate students in accredited Nigerian universities or polytechnics who demonstrate strong academic performance and genuine financial need. Continuing students are required to have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale, while new entrants may qualify with a UTME score of at least 250 or five O’Level credits, including English and Mathematics.
Early-career researchers can apply for grants ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦1 million, with funding available for research-related expenses such as fieldwork, data collection, laboratory consumables, small equipment, software, datasets, research assistants and analysis services.
The foundation is also providing Academia Support, which includes assistance with graduate-school application costs such as test fees, application fees and credential evaluation, alongside academic and professional mentorship.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to Nigerian citizens or residents who are enrolled in, admitted to or affiliated with an accredited tertiary institution in Nigeria, subject to the requirements of their selected programme.
For research grants, applicants must be early-career researchers with a clear and feasible research question, a realistic budget and evidence that the proposed work can be completed within the stated timeframe.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare relevant documents before starting the online application. These may include:
- Academic transcripts
- Admission or enrolment evidence
- A personal statement of 500–800 words
- One reference
- A research proposal and budget of no more than three pages for research-grant applicants
Application Deadline
The 2026 application window opened on September 1 and closes on October 15, 2026. The foundation says it will not review late or incomplete applications.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a virtual interview, and the foundation expects to communicate decisions by email by November 30, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates should visit the Gabriel Ezenri Foundation’s official application portal, review the eligibility requirements for their preferred track and submit the required documents before the deadline.
Application fee: Free. The foundation states that it does not charge applicants at any stage and warns that anyone requesting payment in exchange for an award is acting fraudulently.
Apply here: Gabriel Ezenri Foundation Application Portal
