Nnpc Total Upstream Companies Merit Scholarship Scheme 2026 | Study in Nigeria — NNPC and Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria (TUCN)
Every year, Nigerian undergraduates get a chance to apply for merit-based funding through the joint scholarship scheme run by the national petroleum company and Total’s upstream operations in the country.
About the Scholarship
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria, abbreviated TUCN, jointly sponsor a national merit scholarship aimed at undergraduates attending tertiary institutions across Nigeria. It has run for decades as one of the more established corporate scholarship schemes in the country, reaching students well beyond those studying petroleum-related courses.
Benefits
- A yearly cash award credited to beneficiaries for the length of their program
- National coverage spanning universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education
- Recognition that can support later applications for internships within the sponsoring companies
- Continued eligibility each session subject to confirmed enrollment and academic standing
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens currently enrolled full time at a recognized Nigerian tertiary institution, holding a minimum academic standing set for the cycle. Proof of state of origin and local government area is required, since the scheme distributes awards with an eye toward national spread.
Fields of Study Covered
The scheme covers a wide spread of disciplines across sciences, engineering, arts, and social sciences, reflecting its goal of supporting Nigerian students broadly rather than only those in energy-related courses.
Required Documents
- Admission letter or current student ID
- Local government indigene certificate
- Recent academic transcript
- Valid identification document
- Passport photograph in the required format
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Watch for the official application announcement through NNPC’s channels and major national newspapers.
2. Complete the online application form with accurate personal and institutional details.
3. Upload the required supporting documents.
4. Submit before the stated deadline and retain the application reference.
5. Monitor NNPC’s official communication channels for shortlist announcements.
Selection Process
Applications are screened for eligibility and completeness before a merit-based shortlist is compiled, with attention paid to balanced representation across Nigeria’s states. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further verification before final awards are confirmed.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Submitting a complete application well ahead of the deadline reduces the risk of portal congestion closer to the closing date, and comparing this scheme with the Nigeria LNG Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme can help students decide which corporate options to prioritize applying for each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship only for petroleum-related courses?
No, the scheme supports undergraduates across a wide range of disciplines, not only those studying petroleum or engineering courses.
How often is this scholarship advertised?
It is typically advertised annually, with application windows announced through national media and the sponsoring companies’ official channels.
Can students at private universities apply?
The scheme generally considers students at accredited Nigerian tertiary institutions, both public and private, though guidelines are confirmed each cycle.
Is the scholarship paid as a lump sum or installments?
Payment structures vary by cycle and are detailed in the award notification sent to successful applicants.
What if I miss the announcement window?
Applicants who miss a cycle will need to wait for the next announced application period, since there is no rolling admission for this scheme.
Does holding this scholarship affect eligibility for others?
Policies vary, so it is advisable to check with each scholarship provider before holding multiple awards simultaneously.
How is my state of origin verified?
Verification typically relies on the local government indigene certificate submitted alongside the application.
Will NNPC contact me directly if selected?
Yes, successful applicants are usually contacted through the phone number and email address provided during the application process.
Does the scheme favour children of company staff?
No, the scholarship is advertised publicly and assessed on merit and documentation rather than any connection to employees of the sponsoring companies.
Can I apply using a sibling’s local government certificate?
No, every document submitted must belong to the applicant personally, and mismatched or borrowed documentation is one of the more common reasons applications are disqualified during verification.
Does the scheme cover students studying abroad on exchange?
No, this particular scheme is built for undergraduates studying at tertiary institutions within Nigeria, so students on a temporary exchange placement abroad would need to confirm their continued enrollment status with their home Nigerian institution before applying.
Can I update my bank details after submitting the application?
Minor corrections are sometimes possible before the review stage closes, though applicants are encouraged to submit accurate banking information from the start to avoid payment delays once an award is confirmed.