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2026/2027 NEPL/OERNL JV Tertiary Scholarship Scheme | Nigerian Undergraduates

The 2026/2027 NEPL/OERNL Joint Venture Tertiary Scholarship Scheme is now officially open for applications. This scholarship, sponsored by the joint venture between Nigerian Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (OERNL), is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at promoting academic excellence and supporting Nigerian undergraduates.

If you are currently a 100-level full-time student in a Nigerian tertiary institution, this is a valuable opportunity to secure financial support for your education.

About the NEPL/OERNL JV Scholarship

The NEPL/OERNL Joint Venture Scholarship Scheme is designed to assist bright and deserving students in Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions. The programme focuses on supporting academic excellence while encouraging educational development in host and non-host communities.

Through this initiative, the joint venture continues its commitment to youth development and sustainable community impact, particularly in oil-producing regions and across Nigeria.


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Categories of Awards

There are two major award categories under this scheme:

1️⃣ Host/Transit Communities Merit Award

This category is strictly for applicants who are indigenes of Oando Host/Transit Communities in:

  • Rivers State

  • Bayelsa State

  • Delta State

  • Imo State

Only students who can provide valid proof of indigene status from these communities are eligible to apply under this category.

2️⃣ National Merit Award

This category is open to students from Non-Host/Transit Communities across Nigeria.

However, it is restricted to students studying the following courses:

  • Engineering

  • Geology

  • Geosciences

  • Agricultural Sciences

If you are studying any of these disciplines and meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply under the National Merit category.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for consideration, applicants must:

  • Be registered FULL-TIME undergraduates in a Nigerian tertiary institution

  • Be a certified 100-level student at the time of application

Who Should NOT Apply

The following categories of students are not eligible:

  • Students in 200 level and above

  • Current beneficiaries of similar scholarships from other companies or agencies

  • Dependants of staff of Oando Plc and its subsidiaries

⚠️ Application is strictly open to 100-level students only.

Aptitude Test Information

All shortlisted applicants will be invited to take an online aptitude test.

Important notes:

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

  • Applicants who score below 50% overall in the aptitude test will not be considered for the award.

Ensure you prepare adequately if shortlisted.

Required Documents

Before beginning your application, ensure you have clear scanned copies of the following documents:

  • Passport photograph (white background, not older than 6 months, 450px by 450px, max 200kb)

  • School ID Card

  • O’Level Certificate

  • Admission Letter

  • Birth Certificate

  • JAMB Result

  • Proof of Local Government Area of Origin

  • Compliance Form (to be downloaded and uploaded)

Additional Documents (Host Community Applicants Only):

  • Letter from Community Paramount Ruler

  • Letter from CDC Chairman

All documents must be properly named according to what they represent to avoid confusion during upload.

National Identification Number (NIN)

Applicants are encouraged to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) during application.

If you do not have a NIN, you can register via:
http://ninenrol.gov.ng

You may also visit any NIMC registration centre to complete your registration. After obtaining your NIN, return to the scholarship portal to update your application details.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

To apply successfully, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official application portal:
    https://candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/oandoscholarship2026

  2. Click on “Register Now” to create an account.

  3. Activate your account via the confirmation email sent to you.

  4. Log in with your registered email and password.

  5. Fill in your personal and academic details carefully.

  6. Upload all required documents.

  7. Download your profile and get it signed by your Head of Department (HOD).

  8. Upload the signed profile for verification.

  9. Download and complete the Compliance Form via the portal.

  10. Review your application thoroughly before submission.

  11. Click “Apply Now” to submit.

After submission, you will receive both an email and SMS confirmation.

Application Deadline

📅 April 1st, 2026

Late applications will not be considered, so apply well before the deadline.

Important Reminders

  • Ensure your name matches exactly across all documents.

  • Upload a sworn affidavit if there are discrepancies.

  • Provide valid email and phone contact details.

  • Do not falsify documents — this will lead to automatic disqualification.

  • Double-check all uploads before submitting.

Why You Should Apply

The NEPL/OERNL JV Scholarship Scheme provides more than just financial support. It offers:

  • Relief from academic financial pressure

  • Recognition for academic excellence

  • Opportunity to compete on a national level

  • Corporate-backed educational sponsorship

  • Support for students in oil-producing communities

For many students, this scholarship can significantly ease the cost of university education and allow them to focus fully on their academic goals.

Final Thoughts

If you are a 100-level student and meet the eligibility requirements, this is an opportunity worth pursuing. Carefully prepare your documents, follow the application steps correctly, and submit before the deadline.

Apply early, stay organized, and give yourself the best chance of success.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – NEPL/OERNL JV Tertiary Scholarship Scheme

1. How do I apply?

Apply online through the official portal at Scholastica. Create an account at Scholastica, complete your profile, select the 2026/2027 NEPL/OANDO JV Tertiary Scholarship, and click “Apply.”

2. Who is eligible?

  • Full-time 100-level students in recognized Nigerian tertiary institutions.

  • Indigenes of OANDO host communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Imo States.

  • Applicants must meet the listed course requirements.

3. Can current oil & gas scholarship beneficiaries apply?

No. Beneficiaries of other International Oil & Gas scholarships are not eligible.

4. Do I need admission before applying?

Yes. You must have secured full-time admission into a recognized Nigerian tertiary institution.

5. Can I submit an application via email or representative?

No. Applications are strictly submitted online through the official portal.

6. Will I receive confirmation after applying?

Yes. An automated email confirmation will be sent after submission. Check your spam/junk folder if not found.

7. Can I edit my application?

You can edit your application before the deadline. After the deadline, no changes are allowed.

8. What documents are required?

  • Passport photograph (JPEG, max 200KB)

  • Other required documents (PDF/DOC/DOCX, max 200KB each)

9. Is there an application fee?

No. The scholarship is free. Do not pay anyone to facilitate your application.

10. When is the deadline?

The application deadline is April 1st, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.


🎯 Explore More Opportunities

If this opportunity is not the right fit, check these:


📌 Mentor4Scholars Advisory: NLNG Nigeria Prizes 2026

The NLNG Nigeria Prizes 2026 (organized by Nigeria LNG Limited, often abbreviated NLNG) are among the most prestigious intellectual awards in Africa — celebrating excellence in science, literature, and creative arts with significant cash prizes and global exposure. 

For 2026, the programme has expanded its portfolio to spotlight not just scientific and literary achievement but also creative visual storytelling. The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation and the Nigeria Prize for Literature are each worth USD 100,000, while the newly introduced Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts awards USD 20,000 to an emerging filmmaker in its inaugural edition.

At Mentor4Scholars, we always stress that these prizes reward excellence, originality, and real‑world impact. Successful applicants and nominees are those who go beyond concept and demonstrate rigour in research, artistic mastery, and deep thought in reflecting on societal realities. Whether you’re a scientist developing solutions with clear applied value, a poet exploring human experience, or a filmmaker unpacking identity, this prize cycle offers one of the most valuable platforms and awards available to Nigerian intellect and creativity

❓ FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What are the NLNG Nigeria Prizes?
They are annual awards celebrating excellence in science, literature, and creative arts — recognising outstanding work that contributes to knowledge, culture, and society.

2. What categories are available in 2026?

  • Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation: USD 100,000 – focused on AI, ICT, and digital tech solutions that work in real contexts.

  • Nigeria Prize for Literature: USD 100,000 – poetry collections published from 2023 or later

  • Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts: USD 20,000 – documentary film exploring the theme “Identity,” aimed at creatives aged 18–35.

3. Who can apply?

  • Science & Innovation: Open to scientists, innovators, and practical tech solutions anywhere (global entries). 

  • Literature: Nigerian authors (resident or diaspora) with published poetry collections (2023 onwards).

  • Creative Arts: Emerging Nigerian filmmakers (18–35) with documentary works on identity.

4. What’s the deadline?
Entries for most categories close around late March 2026 (e.g., 31 March 2026 for literature). 

5. How are winners selected?
Judging panels assess entries based on innovation, excellence, impact, and originality. Longlisting and shortlisting often precede the announcement at NLNG’s Grand Award Night later in the year. 

⚠️ Common Mistakes Applicants Make

1. Not meeting eligibility rules
Some writers submit books published before 2023 or films produced outside the 2024–2026 eligibility window. Always confirm cut‑off dates and formats before submitting. 

2. Ignoring documentation requirements
Literature and science entries often require multiple physical copies, forms, and evidence of citizenship — overlooking these leads to disqualification.

3. Submitting incomplete applications
Incomplete portfolios or missing project details weaken your entry’s review, especially in science and innovation where proof of concept matters. 

4. Lack of artistic or technical clarity
Film submissions that fail to engage with the theme (e.g., “Identity”) or lack cinematic coherence weaken impact.

5. Waiting until the last minute
Deadline day mistakes (upload errors, incomplete mailings) are common — apply early and verify every component. 

🚫 Who Should Not Apply

You may want to reconsider applying if:

✔ You do not meet the basic eligibility criteria for your category (e.g., published works not meeting year requirements). 
✔ You cannot provide full documentation or copies as required (especially for literature). 
✔ Your project is only early concept without demonstrable execution (particularly for science innovations). 
✔ Your documentary work does not engage with the theme of identity or lacks technical completion (for the creative arts prize).

These prizes are best for creatives and innovators who are ready to showcase complete, high‑quality work with clarity of purpose and measurable impact.

🎯 Final Insight (Mentor4Scholars)

The NLNG Nigeria Prizes 2026 stand as a rare convergence of arts, science, and innovation — offering not just substantial financial awards but global recognition, industry exposure, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re a scientist with a working prototype, a poet with a powerful voice, or a filmmaker with a compelling story about identity, only entries that demonstrate excellence, originality, and real value to society will shine in this competition. 

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