Higher education can be a powerful engine for social mobility, yet rising institutional fees leave many talented students at risk of dropping out. To bridge this gap, the LONG Empowerment Foundation has officially opened its application portal for the 2026 LONG Scholars Program.
This need-based, highly competitive financial aid initiative is designed specifically to support brilliant but underprivileged Nigerian students across secondary schools, polytechnics, and universities. By removing financial barriers, the foundation aims to give young Nigerians equitable access to education so they can focus on their academic goals.
If you are a tertiary student looking to secure funding, take note of the strict deadline and structural guide below:
-
Application Deadline: June 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM WAT prompt
-
Application Fee: 100% Free
1. Value and Financial Benefits
The LONG Scholars Program provides structured financial aid to help ease the burden of higher education. Under the standard tertiary tier, successful candidates receive financial support of up to ₦350,000 per academic year. This fund is designed to cover essential academic logistics, including:
-
Tuition Fees: Full or substantial coverage of institutional charges.
-
Accommodation: Subsidies or support for student housing.
-
Living Stipends: Regular allowances to help with daily upkeep and maintenance on campus.
-
Learning Materials: Allocation for essential textbooks, handouts, and research tools.
Annual Renewal Clause: The scholarship is initially awarded for one academic year. However, it is renewable annually until the completion of your National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or Bachelor’s degree program, provided you maintain high academic standing and continue to demonstrate verified financial need.
2. Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria
The foundation enforces explicit merit and socioeconomic guidelines to ensure funds reach students who need them most. To apply for the tertiary track (undergraduate, OND, and HND), you must meet these criteria:
-
Nationality & Age: You must be a citizen and legal resident of Nigeria, aged between 16 and 26 years at the time of your application.
-
Institutional Prerequisite: You must have secured admission into, or be a continuing student at, an accredited Nigerian university, polytechnic, or monotechnic.
-
Academic Standard (New Students/Freshmen): Must present a signed university admission and acceptance letter, a JAMB result slip with a minimum score of 200, and an O’Level certificate (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) showing a minimum of 5 credits in core subjects.
-
Academic Standard (Continuing Students): Existing tertiary students must possess a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of Second Class Upper (3.5 on a 5.0 scale) or its academic equivalent.
-
Socioeconomic Threshold: Applicants must come from a low-income household, with a total verified family income below ₦3,000,000 per annum.
3. Step-by-Step Application Document Workflow
Incomplete or unverified profiles are automatically rejected during initial screenings. Organize and scan your paperwork before uploading it as clear digital files:
4. Selection Timeline & Post-Application Steps
The foundation runs a highly structured evaluation process:
-
June 18, 2026: Final deadline for online submissions.
-
July 24 – August 2, 2026: Review panels score applications based on verified financial need, academic records, reference strength, and personal motivation. Shortlisted candidates will receive email invitations to schedule their interview phases.
Late August 2026: Formal announcement of the new cohort of LONG Scholars and fund disbursement setup.
Apply HERE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can polytechnic students apply for the LONG Scholars Program?
Yes. The tertiary tier explicitly covers both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) students at accredited polytechnics across Nigeria, alongside standard bachelor’s degree students.
Is there an application or processing fee for this scholarship?
No. The application process is entirely free of charge. The LONG Empowerment Foundation does not use agents or require payment at any phase of the screening, selection, or disbursement process.
What happens if my CGPA falls below 3.5 during the academic year?
Because the scholarship is renewable annually based on performance, maintaining a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale is mandatory. If your grades drop below this threshold at the end of the session, your scholarship funding may be suspended for the next academic year.
