Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary 2026 – Life-Changing Opportunities for Students

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Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary – Education remains one of the strongest foundations for personal development and economic progress, and the Ekiti State Government has consistently shown commitment to supporting its indigenes studying across Nigerian tertiary institutions.

For the 2025/2026 academic year, the state has once again opened the gateway for financial assistance by announcing its annual scholarship and bursary awards. Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary are designed to reduce financial pressure on students, reward academic excellence, and encourage inclusiveness, especially for physically challenged learners who require special support.

Every year, thousands of Ekiti students look forward to this announcement, and the good news is that the forms remain completely free and are accessible online, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and fairness for all who intend to apply.

This article provides a detailed guide to everything you need to know about the 2026 Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary application. From eligibility to categories, requirements, submission guidelines, and deadlines, this complete breakdown ensures you have all the information needed to successfully complete your application without confusion.

Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary Application Timeline for the 2026 Exercise

The Ekiti State Scholarship Board has officially set the window for application submissions, and candidates must follow this timeline strictly. The opening date for the 2026 session begins on Monday, 9th of February 2026, and ends on Friday, 27th of February 2026.

These dates are fixed, and Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary applicants are strongly advised to complete their forms before the deadline. The Board does not accept late submissions under any circumstance, meaning any form submitted after the closing date will automatically be invalid.

The two-week window is enough for interested candidates to gather their documents, fill their information correctly, and upload their details online. But the most important advice here is: Don’t wait until the final day.

How to Locate and Access the Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary Application Form

One of the strengths of the Ekiti State Scholarship programme is its accessibility. The forms, regardless of the category you intend to apply for, undergraduate, polytechnic, Master’s degree, Ph.D., or physically challenged, are available free of charge.

Students can access the form in two ways:

  1. Physical Access Point (Optional)

The Board provides free forms at the: Ekiti State Scholarship Board Office, New Secretariat, Ado-Ekiti

Students who prefer to visit in person can obtain guidance, verify the available categories, or confirm specific requirements before beginning their application.

  1. Online Application Portal (Main Method)

All Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary applications are completed electronically on the official portal.
This ensures:

  • a smoother application experience
  • quicker submission
  • reduced processing time
  • transparency
  • no middleman interference

Candidates must complete everything online and ensure all information is accurate before submission.

Categories of Awards Available for 2025/2026 Session

The Ekiti State Government has broadened the scheme to accommodate various levels of tertiary education. Students in different institutions and disciplines have equal opportunities, provided they meet the requirements.

The awards for the year include:

  • Undergraduate Scholarship
  • Undergraduate Bursary
  • Polytechnic Scholarship & Bursary
  • Postgraduate Scholarship (Master’s & Ph.D)
  • Scholarship for Physically Challenged Students in Tertiary Schools

These categories ensure that both high-performing scholars and financially challenged students are supported accordingly.

Understanding the Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary Award (Eligibility & Requirements)

The bursary award is meant for students who are progressing academically but require financial support to ease the burden of tuition, fees, and living expenses. This category is not based solely on academic distinction but on being an active student of verified Ekiti origin.

To qualify for the undergraduate bursary award for the 2026 session, all applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must Be in 200 Level or Above

Only students who have completed their first year in school are eligible. The bursary is not open to freshers because the Board must confirm that applicants have settled into their academic journey and have valid, ongoing school records.

  1. Must Possess a Minimum of Five Credits in WASSCE or NECO

These credits must include:

  • English Language
  • Mathematics

And must be obtained in one sitting. This requirement ensures that applicants have a strong entry foundation academically.

  1. Eligible Institutions for Bursary

The bursary is open to students across various types of schools, including:

  • Universities
  • Polytechnics
  • Colleges of Education
  • Schools of Nursing and Midwifery
  • Colleges of Health Technology

Any Ekiti student enrolled in these institutions can apply, provided they meet the academic and admission requirements.

Requirements for the Scholarship Award (Undergraduate Category)

The scholarship category is more competitive and performance-driven. It is awarded to students who exhibit exceptional academic strength and consistency. To qualify for the undergraduate scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:

  1. Must Be in 200 Level or Above

As with the bursary, scholarship applicants must already be past their first year of study.

  1. Must Have at Least Five Credits in One Sitting (WASSCE/NECO)

English and Mathematics must be included, just like in the bursary requirements.

  1. Must Meet the Academic Performance Requirement

This is the most important criterion for the scholarship award.

Students must have:

  • University Students: Minimum CGPA of 4.0 or its direct equivalent (Second Class Upper Division).
  • Polytechnic Students: Minimum of 3.50 CGPA.
  • NCE Students: Also require a minimum of 3.50 CGPA.

This ensures that the scholarship goes to high-performing individuals who have maintained a remarkable level of academic excellence.

Requirements for Master’s and Ph.D Scholarship Awards

Students seeking postgraduate funding must demonstrate a strong academic record from their previous degrees. The criteria are clearly stated as follows:

  1. Minimum Academic Qualification

Applicants must hold at least a Second Class Upper Division at the undergraduate level. Lower grades are not accepted for master’s or Ph.D scholarship applications.

  1. Specific Requirement for Ph.D Applicants

Ph.D candidates must have:

  • A distinction in their master’s degree programme.
  • A first degree that is not below Second Class Upper Division.

Even if a candidate has a master’s distinction, they will not be eligible for the Ph.D scholarship if their bachelor’s degree classification is below 2:1.

The scholarship is highly competitive at postgraduate levels, and these standards ensure that only the most qualified applicants benefit.

Scholarship for Physically Challenged Students

Ekiti State maintains a strong commitment to inclusiveness. Students who are physically challenged are given a special scholarship category designed to support their educational journey.

This category covers students in:

  • Universities
  • Polytechnics
  • Colleges of Education
  • Schools of Nursing
  • Colleges of Health Technology
  • Postgraduate programmes

The purpose is to ensure that students with physical disabilities do not face educational disadvantages due to financial constraints.

Students Who Are Not Eligible for the Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary Application

Although the scheme is open to a wide range of students, certain groups are excluded from participating in this year’s exercise.

The following students cannot apply:

  • Students on Part-Time programmes
  • Students enrolled in Sandwich programmes

The Board’s policy is that only full-time students in accredited institutions qualify for bursary or scholarship consideration.

Final Deadline for Online Submission

All Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary applicants must complete their forms and upload all necessary documents on or before Friday, 27th of February 2026.

The Board has made it clear that:

  • The deadline is fixed
  • Late submissions will not be processed
  • Applicants must take responsibility for completing their forms early

To avoid issues, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply well before the closing date to prevent errors, server delays, or last-minute mistakes.

Conclusion

The Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary Awards for the 2025/2026 academic session represent one of the state’s most impactful educational support initiatives.

With categories spanning undergraduate study, polytechnic programmes, postgraduate scholarships, and support for students living with physical challenges, the scheme offers a broad opportunity for students to access financial assistance.

Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary application is free, the process is online, and the eligibility criteria are clear. Students who meet the requirements are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline.

 

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