The Gani Fawehinmi Award is an affluent Scholarship that assists Nigerian undergraduate students who are facing difficulties with their finances but are able to excel academically. It is named after Chief Abdul-Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi, a famous Nigerian lawyer, human rights advocate, and philanthropist; the scholarship has been helping poor students since.
It offers the financial aid needed to pay for the cost of tuition and other expenses at school, which allows talented students to pursue their studies.
This guide provides everything you must learn concerning the Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship, including the criteria for applying, who is eligible for it, the criteria and how to apply, and some tips to improve your chances of winning, all according to the most current information available.
What Is the Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship?
The Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship is a program that runs annually through the Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship Board. It is aimed at Nigerian students studying at tertiary institutions that are accredited, which include polytechnics, universities, or colleges of learning.
The scholarship was created to honor Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) known for his tireless advocacy for the poor and for his fight for justice. His legacy includes fighting for human rights, fighting oppressive regimes, and providing the education of students who are not privileged.
Every year the award provides financial aid to between 20 and 40 students, each recipient receiving 100,000 Naira. The total amount awarded can range from 2 million to 4 million Naira according to the number of beneficiaries.
The aim of the program is to aid students who are financially challenged but dedicated so that they can finish their education without financial hurdles. The program is extremely competitive, and only applicants who have excellent academic records and financial need can be chosen.
Who Can Apply?
In order to be eligible for the Gani Fawehinmi Award, applicants must satisfy certain criteria that are designed to determine worthy applicants. The following are the requirements to meet in order to be eligible.
- Citizenship It is necessary to have the Nigerian citizen.
- institution: You must be an active, full-time student in a Nigerian tertiary institution (university, polytechnic, or educational college).
- financial status: You must be indigent and poor, which means you will face financial hardships in financing your education.
- Academic performance: You need to have good academic marks, usually a good Cumulative Graduation Point Average (CGPA). A minimum CGPA of 2.5 on a 5.0 scale is usually desired; however, the precise requirements could differ.
- Previous winners: If you’ve received the Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship previously, then you are not eligible to apply again.
- Subject of Study This scholarship program is available to students enrolled in any course or program that is offered by recognized Nigerian institutions.
Candidates should also submit an extensive application letter along with additional documents to show their eligibility. We’ll discuss it in the application process section.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship offers a single award of 100,000 Naira for each candidate who is successful. The funds can be used to:
- Tuition fees
- Study materials and books
- Costs of accommodation
- Other expenses related to education
While it’s only awarded once, it greatly eases the burden of financial responsibility for the recipient, which allows them to focus upon their education for a minimum of an academic year.
The 100,000 Naira won’t be enough to cover all expenses, particularly for students enrolled in costly courses like medicine, but it’s still significant to many. It also improves your academic standing, since receiving it can be a sign of your excellence and perseverance, which can make you stand out to future employers or academic institutions.
How to Apply for the Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship
To apply for the Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship requires you to submit an application form in detail in person or by post at one of the scholarship board’s designated offices. Contrary to other modern awards, this one isn’t online, which means you must prepare physical documents.
The application process typically begins in June or July and ends by mid-August (e.g., the 18th of August the previous year); however, specific dates for 2025/2026 are publicized on official channels such as on the Nigerian Law Publications House website or similar websites for scholarships.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to follow:
- Write an Application Letter:
- Create a personal letter, not more than two pages long, describing why you are worthy of the award. Include:
- Your full name
- Year of study and the course
- State of origin
- The reasons you think you deserve to be rewarded, with a focus on your financial situation and academic accomplishments
- Be honest and clear. As the board is adamant about honesty.
- Create a personal letter, not more than two pages long, describing why you are worthy of the award. Include:
- Gather Supporting Documents:
- Photocopies of your current identity card
- An official letter sent by your department head to confirm the validity of your CGPA for the final academic session.
- A letter from the registrar of your institution certifies that you are an official student.
- Copy of the admission letter you sent to the college
- Your most recent transcript from an academic institution
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Prepare the Application Package:
- All documents, including the letter of application, inside an envelope that is A4 in size.
- Make sure that the documents are legible and clear to prevent rejection.
- Submit the Application:
- Hand deliver the package or send it via postal service to one of these locations:
- Lagos: Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship Board, Nigerian Law Publications House, Otunba Jobi Fele-Way, C.B.D., Alausa Ikeja, P.O. Box 80279, Lafiaji, Lagos State.
- Owerri: Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship Board, c/o ASUU Secretariat, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State.
- Abuja: Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship Board, c/o ASUU Secretariat, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada Campus, Abuja.
- Postal delivery is secure. However, hand delivery guarantees that your application is received on time.
- Hand deliver the package or send it via postal service to one of these locations:
- Attend the Interview:
- If you’re selected, you’ll be invited for an interview at centers such as
- Owerri: ASUU Secretariat, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
- Abuja: ASUU Secretariat, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada Campus
- Lagos: Gani Fawehinmi Chambers, 35 Adeniran Ajao Road, Ajao Estate, Anthony Village
- Interviews are typically held during August (e.g., 15 August or 30 in previous years). Visit scholarship websites to find exact dates.
- Be prepared to discuss how you’re doing academically, financially, and with your goals.
- If you’re selected, you’ll be invited for an interview at centers such as
- Award Ceremony:
- Successful applicants are named, and the scholarships are awarded on September 1st at Nigerian Law Publications House, Otunba Jobi Fele-Way C.B.D., Alausa Ikeja, Lagos, usually at 12 noon.
Tips for a Successful Application
To be noticed in the intense Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship Follow these steps:
- Start early: Begin preparing your application letter and supporting documents immediately after the date for application is declared (usually the month of June). This allows you to address any issues.
- Write a strong letter: Make your application letter compelling and clear. Make sure to highlight your financial struggles as well as your academic accomplishments and the dedication you have towards your education. Avoid exaggeration.
- Verify Document Accuracy: Verify whether all your documents are in line with the details of your application (e.g., name, course, institution, etc.). Discords could lead to your being disqualified.
- Don’t miss the deadline: Submit your application by the deadline, usually the 18th of August. Late submissions will not be considered.
- Preparing for your Interview: If shortlisted, take the time to practice answering questions about your educational background, goals for the future, and the reason you are seeking the award. Be honest and confident.
- Verify Information: Check updates on trusted scholarship websites like www.scholarafrika.com, www.afterschoolafrica.com, or www.ngscholars.net, as the scholarship board doesn’t have an official online portal.
- Beware of scams: The application is absolutely free. Be cautious of anyone who asks for money to complete your application.
Why Apply for the Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship?
The Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for Nigerian students facing financial difficulties. Its 100,000 Naira grant is able to pay for tuition, books, or other expenses, helping ease the burden of paying for school.
Beyond receiving the cash, the scholarship can boost your academic credentials, demonstrating to potential institutions or employers your commitment and capacity to face the challenges.
This scholarship also celebrates Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s tradition of helping the poor, making it an important opportunity to be connected to his dream of education for everyone.
The program’s focus on poor but talented students makes sure it is accessible to those who require the most. It’s available to students from all fields of study, which means that regardless of whether you’re in the field of medicine, engineering, education, or social sciences, you have an opportunity to benefit. The competition for the scholarship will also help you achieve academic excellence by encouraging you to keep high marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship is a yearly scholarship program set up in honor of the late human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi. It provides financial aid to Nigerian students in tertiary institutions.
It is open to Nigerian undergraduate students studying full-time in any recognized Nigerian university or polytechnic.
Applicants must show good academic performance with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 5.0 scale or its equivalent.
Yes. The award mainly supports students from poor or less privileged backgrounds who face financial challenges in funding their education.
Each awardee usually receives ₦100,000 to cover part of tuition, books, and other study-related expenses.
At least 20 students are awarded scholarships every year across different Nigerian higher institutions.
Applicants need to submit:
A hand-written application letter (with personal details and reasons for applying)
Copies of current student ID card
Copies of admission letter
Academic transcript or statement of results
Two recent passport photos
Evidence of local government/state of origin
Applications are submitted by post or in person to the Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship Board office in Lagos, along with all required documents.
Currently, the scholarship requires manual submission. Applicants must send their documents to the Lagos office, as no official online application portal exists.
The deadline varies each year, usually announced around August or September. Applicants are advised to apply early to avoid late submission.
No. The scholarship is strictly for undergraduate students in Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
Yes. The award is open to all courses as long as the applicant is a full-time undergraduate.
Winners are selected based on academic performance, financial need, and the quality of their application
Successful candidates are usually contacted directly and the list may also be made public through student unions or campus notice boards.
No. The Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship is completely free to apply. Applicants should be cautious of fraudsters requesting money.
Conclusion
The Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship is among Nigeria’s most well-known scholarships for undergraduates. It provides the opportunity to receive financial assistance and acknowledgement for students who succeed regardless of financial hardships. By making sure you have a well-written application, fulfilling all the criteria, and submitting it in time, you will improve the chances of winning.
Start gathering your documents early, craft a compelling application letter, and stay updated on deadlines through reliable sources like www.scholarafrika.com or www.ngscholars.net. The 2025/2026 application window is scheduled to begin around June; therefore, keep an eye on announcements. Apply today and begin the journey towards your goals in academics by submitting this life-changing award.
