Are you a Nigerian student passionate about hands-on skills in welding, electrical installation, or automotive mechanics? Technical colleges offer a practical pathway to vocational success, but financial barriers can stall your dreams. Enter scholarships for technical colleges in Nigeria 2026—government-backed stipends and industry-funded programs that make O-Level (senior secondary technical) and OND (Ordinary National Diploma) education accessible. With Nigeria’s push for TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training), expect enhanced funding in the 2025/2026 cycle, including monthly allowances up to ₦45,000.
As applications gear up for January–June 2026, this guide spotlights top opportunities, eligibility, and application tips. Whether you’re eyeing Federal Government stipends or ITF vocational grants, these awards cover tuition, tools, and stipends, boosting employability in high-demand sectors like manufacturing and renewable energy.
Why Pursue Scholarships in Technical Colleges?
Nigeria’s technical education landscape, regulated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), includes over 100 accredited colleges offering O-Level certificates and OND programs. These equip you with industry-ready skills, often leading to quick jobs or entrepreneurship. Scholarships address rising costs (tuition ₦50,000–₦150,000/year) and align with the National Policy on Education’s TVET focus.
In 2025, the Federal Government announced stipends for 20 pilot technical colleges, signaling expansion for 2026. Industry partners like ITF and NECA are ramping up vocational funding to train 10 million artisans, per the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative.
Top Scholarships for O-Level and OND Students in 2026
1. Federal Government Technical College Stipend Scheme
Launched by NBTE, this program provides ₦45,000 monthly stipends to full-time students in selected federal technical colleges. Aimed at boosting enrollment, it targets O-Level and OND in fields like construction, ICT, and agromechanics.
Eligibility:
- Nigerian citizen, aged 15–25.
- Admitted to an NBTE-accredited technical college for 2026/2027.
- Minimum 5 O’Level credits (including Maths/English) or equivalent.
Benefits: Full tuition waiver + stipend for living expenses; renewable for 2 years.
Application: Via NBTE portal (net.nbte.gov.ng) post-admission; deadline ~April 2026.
2. ITF Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Vocational Training Program
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) leads this free training for artisans, including OND holders and O-Level graduates seeking certification. For 2026, it expands to 500,000 slots in trades like plumbing, solar installation, and fabrication.
Eligibility:
- SSCE/O-Level with credits in relevant subjects.
- Unemployed youth aged 18–35.
- Commitment to 3–6 months intensive training.
Benefits: Free tuition, toolkits, certification, and startup grants up to ₦200,000; leads to licensing.
Application: Online at itf.gov.ng/supa; opens February 2026, closes May.
3. ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Programme
Partnering with employers like Nigerian Breweries, this 7–9 month program targets OND students for advanced vocational skills in automation, quality assurance, and logistics.
Eligibility:
- OND upper credit (3.0/5.0) or O-Level equivalent.
- Nigerian, sound health, no prior ITF award.
Benefits: Stipend during training, job placement priority, and certification.
Application: Via neca.org.ng or itf.gov.ng; expected launch March 2026.
4. Bet9ja Foundation Scholarship for Vocational Students
This covers tuition for OND in technical colleges, prioritizing STEM trades.
Eligibility:
- Indigene of host communities or low-income background.
- Minimum 2.5 CGPA (for OND) or 5 O’Level credits.
Benefits: ₦100,000–₦200,000 annually.
Application: bet9jafoundation.org; deadline June 2026.
5. State-Specific TVET Scholarships (e.g., Lagos, Rivers)
Many states offer grants via SUBEB or vocational boards. Lagos’ scheme funds OND in 20 colleges with ₦50,000 stipends.
Eligibility: State indigene, enrolled in approved program.
Application: State education portals; monitor for 2026 calls.
| Scholarship | Level | Funding | Deadline (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FG Stipend | O-Level/OND | ₦45,000/month | April 2026 |
| ITF SUPA | O-Level/OND | Free + Tools | May 2026 |
| ITF-NECA | OND | Stipend + Cert | March 2026 |
| Bet9ja | OND | ₦100k–200k | June 2026 |
Eligibility Essentials and Application Checklist
Across programs:
- Nigerian citizenship and NBTE-accredited enrollment.
- Strong O’Level results (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB).
- No outstanding loans or prior defaults.
Checklist:
- Valid ID (NIN, birth cert).
- Admission letter/transcript.
- Passport photos (4 copies).
- LGA indigene letter.
- Bank details for stipends.
- Online form submission.
Prepare early—admissions start November 2025.
Application Tips for Success
- Research Colleges: Top picks include Government Technical College, Ofu; Yaba College of Technology (for OND bridging).
- Build a Profile: Volunteer in trades or join ITF webinars for edge.
- Avoid Scams: Official portals only; no fees required.
- Timeline: Track via NBTE/ITF socials (@NBTEng, @ITF_Nigeria on X).
- Personal Statement: Highlight how skills will drive self-employment.
Conclusion: Skill Up for Nigeria’s Future
Scholarships for Nigerian technical college students in 2026 aren’t just financial relief—they’re your launchpad to economic independence. With government and industry investing billions in TVET, now’s the time to apply. Visit net.nbte.gov.ng and itf.gov.ng to start. Share your vocational goals below—what trade are you mastering?
