Grooming Centre University Grants 2025 – ₦20 Million in Research Funding for Nigerian Undergraduates and Postgraduates
The Grooming Centre University Grants 2025 offer Nigerian undergraduate and postgraduate students a remarkable opportunity to receive financial support for impactful research. With a total funding pool of ₦20 million, this initiative aims to promote research in critical areas such as microfinance, rural development, women in development, MSMEs, and inclusive finance.
Now in its third edition, the program is committed to empowering future leaders and innovators in Nigeria by fostering original, practical, and data-driven research projects that address real-world challenges.
Program Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host | Grooming Centre |
| Category | Undergraduate & Postgraduate Research Grants |
| Eligible Countries | Nigeria |
| Total Funding | ₦20 Million |
| Individual Awards | ₦100,000 (Undergraduate), ₦200,000 (Postgraduate) |
| Deadline | October 10, 2025 |
About the Grooming Centre University Grants
The Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre, popularly known as Grooming Centre, is a leading Nigerian microfinance institution dedicated to improving livelihoods through access to financial services and capacity-building programs. The University Grant Scheme is part of its corporate social responsibility to promote research and knowledge generation in Nigeria.
The 2025 edition of the program will award grants to 100 undergraduate students and 50 postgraduate students currently enrolled in Nigerian universities or polytechnics. Successful applicants will receive financial support to carry out original research projects that address socio-economic challenges within Nigeria.
Focus Areas of Research
Eligible research topics include but are not limited to:
- Microfinance and financial inclusion
- Rural development strategies
- Inclusive finance and access to credit
- Social enterprises and entrepreneurship models
- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) development
- Women’s participation in economic and social development
- Technological innovations for poverty reduction
- Community-based sustainable development practices
The research must be practical, relevant to the Nigerian context, and capable of generating solutions that can be implemented in the real world.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be current undergraduate or postgraduate students in a NUC/NBTE-approved Nigerian university or polytechnic.
- Research topic must align with at least one of the identified focus areas.
- Applicants must submit a written and signed recommendation from their project supervisor.
- Proposed research must be original, innovative, and data-inclusive.
- Applications are open to all Nigerian students, regardless of age, gender, religion, or ethnicity.
Grant Duration and Rewards
A total of ₦20 million will be disbursed among successful applicants:
- Undergraduate Students: ₦100,000 each (100 recipients)
- Postgraduate Students: ₦200,000 each (50 recipients)
Funding is intended to support research-related expenses, including data collection, fieldwork, and materials.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- A research concept paper (10–15 pages) containing:
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Research Methodology
- References
- Personal Profile (1 page)
- Signed recommendation letter from the applicant’s research supervisor.
- Final soft copy of the completed research project (upon completion of the study).
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1 – Review the Requirements
Carefully read through the eligibility criteria and research focus areas to ensure your proposal aligns with the program’s objectives.
Step 2 – Prepare Your Research Concept
Draft a high-quality research proposal (10–15 pages) that demonstrates originality, relevance, and practical impact. Ensure it follows the required structure and formatting.
Step 3 – Obtain a Supervisor’s Recommendation
Request a formal written and signed recommendation from your academic supervisor endorsing your research project.
Step 4 – Submit Your Application Online
Visit the official application portal and complete the online form. Upload your research concept and other required documents.
Step 5 – Wait for Shortlisting
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further evaluation and grant approval.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Ensure your research addresses a real and pressing challenge in Nigeria.
- Use clear and concise language in your proposal.
- Back your ideas with relevant data and references.
- Highlight the potential social and economic impact of your research.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
