The Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship is one of Nigeria’s most competitive and fully funded scholarships for undergraduates. The programme covers full tuition, accommodation expenses, and provides an annual ₦150,000 living allowance to each selected student. Funded by Mr. Jim Ovia, Founder of Zenith Bank, the scholarship aims to support talented young Nigerians who show strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to driving positive change in their communities especially in technology, health, and finance.

This guide explains eligibility requirements, benefits, documents you must upload, application rules, and 2025 deadlines.

What the Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship Offers

The scholarship is a fully funded programme designed for Nigerian undergraduates studying at accredited universities or approved higher institutions in Nigeria. It focuses on students with strong academic backgrounds and clear leadership qualities. Many previous beneficiaries have gone on to contribute to key sectors such as innovation, healthcare, and financial systems in Nigeria.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

To qualify, an applicant must:

• Be a Nigerian citizen.
  
• Be currently enrolled or newly admitted into an accredited university or higher institution in Nigeria.
  
• Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
  
• Show proven leadership qualities through school activities, community service, or personal initiatives.
  
• Be willing to contribute to community development and national growth.
  

Selection is largely based on:

• Academic intelligence
  
• Leadership potential
  
• Commitment to public service
  

All courses of study are accepted as long as the applicant meets the general criteria.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants receive:

• Full tuition fee coverage
  
• Accommodation support
  
• Annual living allowance of ₦150,000
  

Benefits continue every year until graduation, provided the recipient remains academically sound and complies with all scholarship regulations.

Required Documents for the 2025 Application

Applicants must upload clear scanned copies of all required documents. These include:

Personal Identification

• Valid government-issued ID
  
• Birth certificate
  
• Recent passport photograph
  

Admission & Academic Documents

• JAMB admission letter
  
• University admission letter
  
• University acceptance letter
  
• UTME result slip
  
• Current university academic calendar (stamped/signed)
  
• Academic results from 100 level to date (showing semester GPAs and CGPA, stamped and signed)
  

Special Requirements for Medical Students

• CGPA-converted results
  
• Document must show the university’s grading system
  
• All pages must be stamped and signed by the school
  

Other Essential Documents

• Recommendation letter from Head of Department (not older than 4 months), stating:
  
  • current level
    
  • current session
    
  • current semester
    
  • current CGPA
    
• Valid school identity card
  
• Original O’Level certificate (WAEC, NECO or NABTEB)
  

Incomplete documentation may lead to automatic disqualification.

Important Rules Every Applicant Must Follow

Before applying, note these mandatory rules:

• Applications must be completed personally—no agents or intermediaries.
  
• No payment is required. The application is completely free.
  
• Only one application is allowed per candidate.
  
• Multiple submissions result in instant disqualification.
  
• Any falsified or unclear document leads to rejection.
  
• Applicant must have finished secondary school.
  
• Applicant must have been offered admission and must upload proof.
  
• At least five O’Level credits are required.
  
• Applicants must be 16 years or older.
  
• Email address must include the applicant’s first and last name and must be a Gmail or Yahoo address.
  
• All uploads must be clear and readable.
  
• Applicants may print a copy of the completed form before final submission.
  
• Submitting the form does not mean the applicant has been awarded the scholarship.
  
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  
• All information must be correct before clicking “submit.”

How to Apply for the 2025 Scholarship

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Read all eligibility rules and prepare every required document.
   
2. Scan each document clearly avoid blurred or incomplete pages.
   
3. Ensure academic results, especially for medical students, meet the CGPA formatting guidelines.
   
4. Visit the official Jim Ovia Scholarship application page via the foundation’s website.
   
5. Complete the online form fill in all personal, academic, and contact details.
   
6. Upload all required documents in the appropriate fields.
   
7. Review your entries thoroughly.
   
8. Submit only one complete application.
   

Only applications that meet the requirements and follow the rules will be reviewed.

2025 Application Timeline & Deadline

• Opening Date: 27 November 2025
  
• Closing Date: 29 November 2025
  

The application period is very short, so students are advised to arrange their documents early and submit quickly.