We have some of the best scholarships for first-year undergraduates who were top in WAEC/NECO. Learn more about the scholarships plus application tips, below.
In Nigeria and the rest of Africa, it’s a big deal that every secondary school student would write WAEC (West African Examinations Council) or NECO (National Examinations Council). They are not just normal exams, but gateways to the entry of universities and other institutions of higher learning. Each year millions of youths are taking these exams, and only a few percent of them emerge with great grades that will make them one of the brightest students in the whole country.
To such bright students, scholarships are among the most rewarding rewards of their effort. Scholarship doesn’t just eliminate or alleviate the cost of school fees, but it also acts as a great incentive to continue performing well. It means to tell someone, You know how hard you are working, and we want to see you take it a step further. Scholarships are bridges between raw talent and chances to change lives forever.
Governments, universities, private companies and even individuals who think they should do something back to society offer these scholarships. Others even pay the tuition fees, and some even pay the accommodation, textbooks and living cost.
This article will examine the top 10 scholarships available to first year undergraduate students who were leaders in WAEC/NECO. Thanks to these scholarships, you can study without thinking too much about the money, and your effort and intelligence are noted as well. As a student or parent this guide will ensure you know what choices are there and how to be ready.
10 Best Scholarships for First-Year Undergraduates Who Were Top in WAEC/NECO
The 10 best scholarships for first year undergraduates who scored best in WAEC/NECO are below.
1. MTN Foundation Scholarship
One of the most popular scholarships in Nigeria is the MTN Foundation Scholarship. MTN awards scholarships to brilliant students in universities and polytechniques every year. This is an excellent opportunity to receive a financial aid among first-year undergraduates who performed well in WAEC or NECO.
It’s generally science-technology based scholarship but occasionally any other subject may be considered. As long as they maintain a good grade, the beneficiaries get money annually until they graduate. Thousands of young Nigerians have been able to realize their higher education dream thanks to this scholarship.
2. Scholarship in Federal Government (FSB)
Scholarships are offered to deserving students by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB). You can apply if you are top in your WAEC or NECO and you got admission into any university in Nigeria.
The scholarship is open to many disciplines and pays tuition fees (and sometimes even maintenance allowance). It’s a highly competitive award and is usually given to students with the best results. The sooner and the more complete documents are applied, the better.
3. Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Scholarship.
Shell is an education investor and one of the biggest oil companies in Nigeria. They have an undergraduate scholarship for bright Nigerian students.
You should apply if you did well in your WAEC or NECO and you just gained admission into a university. Students from other regions are sometimes considered and the scholarship tends to favour students from oil producing states. Shell gives some of the students an allowance every year and the allowance is till graduation.
4. NNPC/Seplat Joint Venture Scholarship.
Seplat in conjunction with Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has undergraduate scholarships. This scholarship is for students from host communities but other capable candidates are welcome.
You have a good chance of being selected as an excellent first year undergraduate with good WAEC or NECO result. This award is usually for students studying engineering and science courses. It has become one of the most stable scholarships in Nigeria today.
5. Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship.
Jim Ovia Foundation has a good reputation in education in Nigeria. The foundation supports academically gifted Nigerian youth who need financial assistance through its scholarship program.
This is for you if you are a first year undergraduate and you did well in WAEC or NECO. The scholarship pays school fees and other school charges. Through the Jim Ovia Scholarship, thousands of students have been able to study over the years and many have become professionals today.
6. NNPC/Total Energies Scholarship.
One of the biggest oil companies in Nigeria, Total Energies has an oil and gas scholarship with NNPC. This program is for undergraduates in all the universities in the country.
You can apply as a new student and have a good chance to pass because you are the best in any exam you performed in WAEC or NECO. The scholarship is highly competitive with tuition and annual allowance. It is one of the best corporate scholarships in Nigeria.
7. Agbami Scholarship Medical and Engineering.
This scholarship is funded by Chevron and its oil field partners in the Agbami oil field. It is mainly for students studying medicine, nursing, pharmacy and engineering.If you scored best in WAEC or NECO and got admission in any of these courses, then most of your bills will be paid off through this scholarship. It’s a known fact that it’s a big one and has helped many students in Nigeria.
8. Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Undergraduate Scholarship.
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company has an undergraduate scholarship programme every year. It’s to sponsor smart Nigerian students all over the country.
You must have good grades in WAEC or NECO and evidence of admission into a university. The scholarship not only covers tuition but in some cases, additional allowances. NLNG has a good image in the education sector and this scholarship is still changing lives.
9. Scholarships by State Government.
Nigeria has several state governments that give scholarships to their own. States like Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Kaduna have a long history of sponsoring the best students in the state.
You were the best in WAEC or NECO and you’re from a state where education is highly valued; then you should enquire from your scholarship board in the state. Some of these scholarships cover tuition fees and others may include stipends too. Be wise and monitor the state government announcements early and regularly.
10. University Merit Scholarships.
In Nigeria and abroad, several universities offer scholarship to new students who come in with good results. For example, other universities in Nigeria give prizes to students who perform well in WAEC or NECO.
These scholarships pay off or cover full tuition. It is one of the reasons why universities find and nurture bright students. Another thing you should do when you are applying to a university is to inquire about their merit-based scholarship.
Why These Scholarships Matter.
First year undergraduate scholarships based on best in WAEC or NECO are highly coveted. They not only take the financial burden off their shoulders, they also encourage students to keep working towards excellence. Tuition, books and accommodation is increasing and many families can’t meet the cost. Scholarships give students the opportunity to focus on their studies without dropping out because they have no money.
Apart from the money, scholarships boost confidence. The knowledge that a big organisation, government or school has confidence in you gives you an added push to perform. To parents it’s also an object of pride and relief.
How to Apply for these Scholarships Successfully
Applying for scholarships seems tough but it’s less tough when you follow these steps:
- Keep an eye out – Most scholarships are advertised on the Internet, in the press or on official company and government websites.
- Pack your documents- This means WAEC/NECO results, admission letter, ID card and in some cases recommendation letters.
- Apply early- There are many students applying so application is better when portal is open.
- Write good essays when needed- Some scholarships require short essays. Write honestly and clearly.
- Maintain your grades – When you get a scholarship you have to maintain good grade to continue getting it.
Scholarship Guides:
- How to Win a Full-Ride Scholarship in 2025 (Everything You Need to Know)
- What Are No-Essay Scholarships and How Do They Work in 2025?
- Top HBCU Scholarships for Students in 2025 (How to Apply)
Conclusion
Money should not kill the dream of higher education. According to the right scholarship, first year undergraduates who were the best in WAEC or NECO can go to school without worrying of running out of money. There is plenty of opportunity, from MTN Foundation to state government programs.
And to you students with good results–don’t waste time–apply. As a parent you should tell your child to apply for these scholarships. Scholarships open doors to education which is the door to success.
The key to achieving your academic dream and making your family proud is hard work, focus and applying to the right places.
