The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) has officially opened applications for the 2026 NHEF Scholars Program, marking ten years of sustained impact in developing Nigeria’s next generation of leaders. This milestone cohort builds on a decade-long legacy of identifying high-performing students and equipping them with the skills, exposure and networks required to thrive as professionals and change-makers in Nigeria and beyond. The NHEF Scholars Program is a highly competitive leadership and career development initiative targeted at exceptional penultimate-year students enrolled at select partner universities. It is designed to bridge the gap between academic excellence and professional readiness, preparing scholars to navigate complex work environments while remaining grounded in service, integrity and social responsibility. Program Overview and Key Benefits At its core, the NHEF Scholars Program focuses on holistic leadership development. Selected scholars gain access to a structured suite of opportunities that enhance both their professional capabilities and long-term leadership potential. Exclusive internship opportunities with leading local and multinational organisations in Nigeria, offering meaningful, hands-on work experience Leadership and career development through high-impact training sessions, workshops and professional coaching Mentorship and networking with accomplished professionals and a growing community of NHEF alumni across diverse industries Through these experiences, scholars are exposed to real-world challenges that allow them to apply classroom learning in professional settings, sharpen critical thinking skills and clarify their career aspirations. The program also places strong emphasis on ethical leadership, collaboration and giving back to society. Eligibility Criteria To be considered for the 2026 NHEF Scholars Program, applicants must meet specific academic and personal criteria. The program seeks well-rounded individuals who demonstrate excellence not only in academics, but also in leadership, service and initiative. Applicants must: Be penultimate-year students enrolled at an NHEF partner university, including Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria or University of Port Harcourt Demonstrate strong academic performance alongside active involvement in extracurricular, leadership or professional activities Exhibit a clear commitment to community service, philanthropy and a desire to make a lasting positive impact in society Selection is merit-based and highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on potential, character and alignment with the program’s values. Key Dates and Application Timeline The application window for the 2026 cohort is clearly defined, and candidates are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure timely submission. Application opening date: February 2, 2026 Application deadline: March 13, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. (WAT) Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, making early preparation essential. Submission Procedure and Application Process All applications must be submitted through the official NHEF Application Portal. Candidates are required to complete the entire application in one sitting, as progress cannot be saved. The application process includes: Registering on the NHEF application portal and verifying the registered email address Logging in to access the Scholars Program application from the dashboard Completing all bio-data fields and responding fully to the program’s essay questions Uploading required supporting documents, including a one-page CV, a one-page cover letter and the most recent statement of result, all in PDF format Reviewing all responses carefully before final submission Applicants are strongly advised to prepare their essay responses in advance using a separate document, such as a Word file, to allow for easy copy-and-paste into the portal. Using a laptop or desktop computer and ensuring access to a stable internet connection is also recommended to avoid disruptions during submission. Confirming Successful Submission Applicants can confirm that their application has been successfully submitted through three clear indicators. The applicant’s dashboard will display a confirmation message showing the submission date and time. A confirmation email will be sent to the applicant’s registered email address. The Scholars Program application tab will no longer be accessible on the dashboard These steps collectively serve as confirmation that the application has been received by NHEF. Application Resources and Preparation Tips Given the competitive nature of the program, applicants are encouraged to invest time in developing a strong, thoughtful and well-supported application. High-quality submissions clearly articulate career goals, leadership ambitions and commitment to impact, supported by polished documentation. Available resources include guidance on writing effective CVs and cover letters, answers to frequently asked questions, and information on industry areas and partner firms. These resources are designed to help applicants present their best possible case for selection. Why Apply? Since its inception, the NHEF Scholars Program has supported over 468 exceptional alumni who have gone on to achieve significant success across business, public service, entrepreneurship and civil society. Becoming an NHEF Scholar provides access to a transformative platform that extends far beyond a single internship or training experience. By applying to the 2026 NHEF Scholars Program, eligible students take a decisive step toward joining a community committed to leadership, excellence and national development. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as the application portal closes on March 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. WAT. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the official organization for nominations. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.