Grooming Centre offers ₦20 million University grants to Nigerian students — how to apply

In a bold step to support academic research and human capital development in Nigeria, Grooming Centre has launched its 2025 University Grant Scheme, offering a combined total of ₦20 million in research grants to both undergraduate and postgraduate students across the country. This annual initiative aims to promote critical thinking, support high-impact academic work, and foster innovation by funding student-led research projects that align with national development goals.

What is the Grooming Centre University Grant?

The Grooming Centre University Grants is a corporate social responsibility program by Grooming Centre, a leading Nigerian microfinance institution. The scheme supports students who are conducting research projects relevant to poverty reduction, rural development, financial inclusion, agriculture, education, health, and economic empowerment. Launched in 2019, the program has consistently provided financial support to outstanding student researchers, with the 2025 edition earmarking ₦20 million for distribution among 150 undergraduate and 50 postgraduate students.

Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?

The grants is open to students enrolled in any Nigerian university who meet the following requirements:

• The applicant must be either a student at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in a Nigerian tertiary institution whose research study covers any of such areas as financial inclusion, microfinance, rural development, social enterprise, MSMEs, technological development, women in development or any other research that is aimed at lifting people out of poverty.
• Research Areas
• The focus of the research study must be relevant to the Nigerian context, practical, innovative and should be capable of promoting any of the above areas of interest, in the Nigerian space.
• The applicant must be a student at a NUC/NBTE-approved Nigerian university or polytechnic.
• The applicant must submit a written and signed recommendation from his/her project supervisor.
• The research must show a high level of originality, and imaginative thought and be data inclusive.
• (There are no age, gender, religious or ethnic barriers to application)

The selection process is merit-based, ensuring that only high-quality and impactful research projects receive funding.

Grant Amount and Distribution

Grooming Centre has allocated a total of ₦20 million for the 2025 University Grant Scheme:

• ₦100,000 for each selected undergraduate student
• ₦200,000 for each selected postgraduate student
• The grant will be awarded to 100 Undergraduate and 50 postgraduate students.

This financial support is aimed at reducing the burden of research costs and enhancing the quality of academic output in Nigerian institutions.

How to Apply for the Grooming Centre Grant

Interested and eligible students can apply through the official grant portal. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the application page at Grooming Centre Grant Application
2. The applicant must submit a research concept of between 10-15 pages which will include an introduction, literature review, research methodology including references and a page of the candidate’s personal profile.
3. The candidate will also submit a final soft copy of the research project on completion of the study.
4. Submit the application via the instructions on the portal.

The deadline for submission is October 10, 2025, and early applications are strongly advised to improve chances of consideration.

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Why This Grant Matters

With growing concerns about education funding in Nigeria, the Grooming Centre University Grant plays a vital role in supporting future researchers and thought leaders. The initiative not only helps relieve financial strain but also encourages students to tackle real-world issues through research. Over the years, the program has impacted over 800 students, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to sectors like healthcare, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and social development.

Apply Now

The Grooming Centre ₦20 million grant is a golden opportunity for Nigerian students to receive the recognition and support they deserve. Whether you’re completing your final year project or writing a thesis for your master’s or Ph.D., this funding can give your research the boost it needs. Apply now and become part of the next generation of solution-driven scholars in Nigeria.