Before we move on to the pointers about the FSB scholarship, let us start by giving you a round of applause. You are the one our parents used to mention when we were in school, the kid with two heads, the wizard of waverly place. Ugo C. Ugo II.
Oh, please! Don’t try to act all humble like you are not book-smart. Dullards do not seek out scholarship opportunities, because a scholarship is basically you telling them, “I sabi book, so you should pay for my education”.
Not all of us were brave enough to do that.
So, now that we have given the honour to whom it is due, let us get down to the main reason why you are here. You have realised that you are a well of knowledge, a gem in the classroom, the Great Answering Machine, so you have come seeking scholarships.
The FSB Scholarship – An Overview
The FSB scholarship is an acronym for the Federal Scholarship Board… scholarship? Wait, doesn’t that sound tautologically wrong? Meh, this is Nigeria, where we have Automated Teller Machine machines (ATM) and Guaranty Trust Bank bank (GTB), so why not Federal Scholarship Board Scholarship?
Anyways, as we were saying, the FSB scholarship is an initiative of the Federal Scholarship Board, which in itself is a department of the Federal Ministry of Education. A Director heads the Board, serving as the Secretary.
READ:
Purpose of the Federal Scholarship Board
Some of the Board’s mandates include:
- Implementation of Federal Government policy and programmes of foreign and local scholarship awards to deserving Nigerian scholars.
- Implementing Presidential Special Scholarship for Innovation and Development (PRESSID) and NYSC EX-Corps Scholarship.
- Supervising and monitoring the activities of Federal Government Scholars in Tertiary Institutions locally and abroad.
- Preparation of periodic masterplans for a balanced and efficient utilization of foreign and local scholarships, as well as fellowship awards to deserving Nigerian undergraduate and postgraduate students. This may sometimes involve consultation with State Governments, the Ministries of Foreign matters, and other relevant agencies and bodies.
- Advising and coordinating States Scholarship Policies and Programmes through Annual Coordinating Committee Meetings of Federal and State Scholarship Boards Secretaries.
- Implementing Federal Government commitments to Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) and Multi-Lateral (Commonwealth) Agreements on Scholarship and Fellowship awards to Nigeria.
- Collection, collation, analysis, publishing and dissemination of data and other information on student matters, Scholarship and Fellowship awards concerning Nigeria.
SEE: Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Students
The FSB Scholarship
The FSB Scholarship Awards is available for students in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions and is provided by the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB). University undergraduates, HND, NCE and Postgraduate students are all eligible for it.
Application forms are available online, and prospective candidates can complete and print them for endorsement by their HOD and Registrars of their institutions.
Criteria for Eligibility for the FSB Scholarship
i. University Undergraduates:
All applicants must be full-time students in their second year of study or above in Federal or State Universities. They must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0 on a 5.0 point scale or equivalent in the previous academic year’s examinations.
ii. Higher National Diploma (HND):
All applicants must be full-time students in their second year of study in any of the Federal or State Polytechnics or Monotechnics. They must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent in the previous academic year’s examinations.
iii. Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE):
All applicants must be full-time students in their second year of study and above in any Federal or State Colleges of Education. They must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 point scale or equivalent in the previous academic year’s examinations.
iv. Post-Graduate Scholarship:
Applicants must be registered full-time students of Federal or State universities and must have a minimum of second-class Honours (Upper Division) in their 1st degree.
SEE: Top Universities In Nigeria 2022
Categories Under the FSB Scholarship
The FSB operates under the following four divisions:
Nigerian Awards
This is the most popular category of the FSB scholarship. It is awarded yearly to Nigerian students (both male and female) who are studying in Nigerian universities.
Bilateral Education Awards
Also known as the BEA, this scholarship is awarded to Nigerian students to study for free in selected non-English speaking countries like Hungary, Russia or any other country on the FSB scholarship list.
There’s also the SDG award for girls in Nigerian universities. This scholarship is awarded yearly to Nigerian girls studying in Nigerian universities, polytechnics or colleges of education. Its aim is to bolster girl child Education in Nigeria.
READ: How to Check JAMB Result
How to Apply for the FSB Scholarship
The first step is to visit here to apply. You can also head down to the FSB office at Plot 245 Samuel Ademulegun Street, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria, but all applications must be made online.
Completed application forms should be printed and submitted at the various interview centres, along with photocopies of the following documents:
- Letter of admission to the institution
- Current Course Registration Form
- Student Identity Card
- Last sessional CGPA result
- Letter of identification from State/Local Government of origin
- Two passport-size photographs with the full name written on the back
Candidates nominated by the Board will be required to submit the following:
- Authenticated copies of academic certificates
- Data page of current International Passport
- Specified medical reports from Government hospitals
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- Police clearance certificates where necessary
FAQs about the FSB scholarship
No. Unlike other scholarships, there will be no shortlisting before the Examination. Hence, everyone who registers for the scholarship and meets the criteria will write the examination.
First, it is important to note that, irrespective of whatever category you picked and registered for, ALL candidates will write the same examination. All will be in the same time range and centres.
The Centre for a BEA candidate will be the same for a NA or SDG candidate, and they will all write their examinations on the same day.
The participating countries are responsible for the tuition and accommodation, while the Nigerian government takes care of supplements. These include warm clothing, health insurance, research grant where applicable and take-off.
Launch your browser on your smartphone or computer.
Enter your phone number or the last 6 digits of your applicant number. For example, 09027811917 or FSB/NA/2020/000000.
Click on the CHECK button to view your exam date.
Print out your examination slip.
The duration of the scholarship offer ranges from 4- 9 years, depending on the level of study and the country.
There is no charge or application fee attached to the FSB scholarship; it is completely free. Therefore, beware of scammers who might try to ask you to make whatever payment in the name of helping to secure the scholarship.
The FSB scholarship can be a life-changing opportunity for whoever manages to land it, which is why thousands of students rush it yearly.
As it is, this year’s application has closed, as you no doubt saw when you clicked the link.
Wish you luck in your next application!!!
