Grooming Centre Opens 2026 Research Grant for Nigerian Undergraduates, Postgraduates

The 2026 Grooming Centre University Grant is offering a total of ₦20 million in research funding to 150 Nigerian Students (100 Undergraduate & 50 post graduates). Applications close on October 23, 2026.

Quick Overview

• Scholarship Name: Grooming Centre University Grant 2026
• Host Country: Nigeria
• Eligible Applicants:Undergraduate (final Year students) and postgraduate students
• Eligible Institutions: NUC/NBTE-approved Nigerian universities and polytechnics,

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About the Grooming Centre University Grant

The Grooming Centre University Grant Scheme is an initiative of the Governing Council and Management of the Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre, a Nigerian microfinance institution. The 2026 edition is the third in the series and aims to stimulate research, promote knowledge development and encourage practical solutions to challenges affecting livelihoods in Nigeria.

The programme supports research that can contribute to financial inclusion, economic development, poverty reduction and improved opportunities for underserved communities. Applicants are expected to demonstrate that their research is relevant to the Nigerian context and has the potential to produce useful findings.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2026 Grooming Centre University Grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an undergraduate in their final year or postgraduate student in a Nigerian tertiary institution.
• Be enrolled in a university or polytechnic approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) or the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

• Be conducting research in one or more of the scheme's focus areas (mentioned above in the quick overview) or another relevant field aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.
• Ensure that the proposed research is relevant to Nigeria, practical, innovative and capable of contributing to the stated development objectives.
• Submit a written and signed recommendation from the project supervisor.
• Present original research that demonstrates independent thinking and incorporates relevant data.

The scheme does not impose age, gender, religious or ethnic restrictions, according to the published eligibility information.

Method of Application

Method of Application All entries must be submitted in soft copy via the application page

Research Areas Covered

The grant is intended for research that addresses development challenges and supports better livelihoods. Relevant areas include:

• Financial inclusion: Research into improving access to financial services for underserved individuals and communities.
• Microfinance: Studies on how microfinance services can support small businesses and low-income households.
• Rural development: Research into improving livelihoods, economic opportunities and access to resources in rural communities.
• Social enterprise: Studies of business models that address social and economic challenges.
• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Research into business growth, access to finance, innovation and sustainability.
• Technological development: Research into technology that can improve economic participation, service delivery and livelihoods.
• Women in development: Studies examining women's economic participation, empowerment and access to opportunities.
• Other poverty-reduction research: Projects that address related challenges within the Nigerian context.

Grant Benefits

• Undergraduate category: 100 successful applicants will receive ₦100,000 each.
• Postgraduate category: 50 successful applicants will receive ₦200,000 each.

Required Documents

Applicants are expected to prepare the following documents for submission:

• Research concept: A document of 10 to 15 pages containing the introduction, literature review, research methodology and references.
• Personal profile: A page containing the candidate's personal profile, included in the research concept document.
• Supervisor's recommendation: A written and signed recommendation from the applicant's project supervisor.
• Research project: A final soft copy of the completed research project must be submitted upon completion of the study.

How to Apply for the Grooming Centre University Grant

1. Visit the official Grooming Centre University Grant application website.
2. Develop a research concept of 10 to 15 pages that follows the scheme's requirements and addresses a relevant research area.
3. Obtain a written and signed recommendation from your project supervisor.
4. Prepare the required personal profile and other supporting information.
5. Complete the application process through the application portal and submit the required documents before the deadline.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2026 Grooming Centre University Grant close on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Source Official Grooming Centre University Grant website