2026 Muslim Scholarship Fund Nigeria for Undergraduates: Complete Application Guide & Eligibility Requirements

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2026 Muslim Scholarship Fund Nigeria (MSFN) for undergraduates & secondary students. Complete eligibility criteria, application steps.

Table of Contents

2026 Muslim Scholarship Fund Nigeria for Undergraduates: Everything You Need To Know

Introduction

The Muslim Scholarship Fund Nigeria (MSFN) offers financial assistance to eligible Nigerian Muslim students pursuing secondary and tertiary education in the country.

Established in 1999 as the Muslim Education Trust Fund, this program addresses the economic challenges that prevent many talented Muslim youths from accessing quality education. Learn about applying for the 2026 MSFN scholarship program.

What is the Muslim Scholarship Fund Nigeria?

The Muslim Scholarship Fund Nigeria is a faith-based scholarship initiative created to support Muslim students facing financial barriers to education.

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The program emerged during Nigeria’s economic difficulties, when many Muslim youths were struggling to maintain educational standards and some were being enticed to convert to other faiths in exchange for educational opportunities and career advancement.

While the Federal Government’s Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme covers primary and junior secondary education, MSFN focuses specifically on senior secondary school and tertiary education levels, where financial support is most critically needed.

MSFN Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Muslim Scholarship Fund Nigeria scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Religious Affiliation: Applicants must be practicing Nigerian Muslims who can demonstrate their commitment to the Islamic faith.

Academic Enrollment: Candidates must be currently registered in or have received admission to a recognized tertiary institution (university, polytechnic, or college of education) or senior secondary school within Nigeria.

Academic Performance Standards:

Undergraduate students must maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale
Secondary school students must have credit passes in both English Language and Mathematics

Community Service Commitment: Applicants must demonstrate willingness to participate actively in volunteer activities that benefit the Muslim community. These activities may include:

Teaching young people in coaching classes
Assisting older people
Active participation in Muslim Students’ Society (MSS) activities
Other community development initiatives

A Muslim leader in your community or school must provide attestation of these volunteer activities.

Geographic Eligibility: The 2026 scholarship primarily targets students from nine Nigerian states:

Kwara State
Kogi State
Lagos State
Ogun State
Oyo State
Osun State
Ondo State
Edo State
Ekiti State

The long-term vision is to expand coverage to all Nigerian Muslims nationwide once the program reaches full operational capacity.

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Step-by-Step Application Process for 2026 MSFN Scholarship

1. Verify Your Eligibility

Before beginning your application, carefully review all eligibility criteria listed above. Ensure you meet the religious, academic, geographic, and community service requirements. Gather documentation that proves your eligibility, including your admission letter, academic transcripts, and community service attestation letter.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Compile all necessary documentation before starting your online application. You will likely need:

Valid means of identification (National ID, International Passport, or Voter’s Card)
Recent passport photograph
Admission letter or student ID card
Academic transcripts showing your CGPA or secondary school results
Letter of attestation from a recognized Muslim leader confirming your community volunteer work
Proof of residence in one of the eligible states
Birth certificate or age declaration

3. Access the MSFN Application Portal

Visit the official MSFN application portal. Create a new account if you’re a first-time applicant, or log in with your existing credentials if you’re a returning applicant.

4. Complete the Online Application Form

Fill out the online application form accurately and completely. The form will request:

Personal information (name, date of birth, contact details)
Educational background and current institution
Academic performance records
Details of community service activities
Financial information regarding your family’s economic situation
References from Muslim leaders or educators

Take your time to provide accurate information, as discrepancies may lead to disqualification.

5. Upload Supporting Documents

Scan and upload all required documents in the specified formats (typically PDF or JPEG). Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and properly labeled. File size restrictions may apply, so compress large files if necessary while maintaining readability.

6. Review and Submit Your Application

Before final submission, thoroughly review all information and uploaded documents for accuracy and completeness. Once satisfied, submit your application through the portal. You should receive a confirmation email or reference number upon successful submission.

7. Print Application Acknowledgment

After submission, print or save the acknowledgment page or email containing your application reference number. This will be essential for tracking your application status and future correspondence.

8. Monitor Your Application Status

Regularly check the MSFN portal using your login credentials to monitor your application status. The organization may request additional information or documentation during the review process.

9. Await Selection Results

The MSFN selection committee will review all applications based on eligibility criteria, academic merit, financial need, and community involvement. Successful candidates will be notified via email or through the application portal.

10. Accept Scholarship Offer and Fulfill Obligations

If selected, you will receive instructions on accepting the scholarship offer. You may need to sign an agreement outlining your responsibilities, including maintaining academic performance standards and continuing community service activities.

Important Tips for a Successful Application

Start Early: Don’t wait until the application deadline approaches. Begin gathering documents and preparing your application well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues or missing documents.

Demonstrate Genuine Community Service: Your volunteer work should reflect authentic commitment to the Muslim community, not just activities undertaken solely for scholarship purposes. Document your activities with photos, certificates, or testimonials.

Maintain Strong Academic Performance: Keep your grades consistently high throughout your studies. For undergraduates, maintaining the 3.5 CGPA requirement is essential not only for initial selection but also for scholarship renewal.

Provide Accurate Information: Any false information or forged documents will result in immediate disqualification and may affect future applications. Honesty and transparency are valued highly in the selection process.

Seek Strong References: Choose Muslim leaders or educators who know you well and can speak specifically about your character, academic abilities, and community contributions.

Highlight Financial Need: Clearly articulate your family’s economic circumstances and how the scholarship would impact your educational journey. Be specific about financial challenges without exaggeration.

What the MSFN Scholarship Covers

While specific scholarship amounts may vary based on available funding and individual circumstances, MSFN scholarships typically cover:

Tuition fees (partial or full coverage depending on need)
Academic materials and textbooks
Examination fees
Other education-related expenses

Muslim Scholarship Fund Nigeria Duration and Reward

₦120,000 per year for undergraduates in tertiary institutions
₦40,000 per year for senior secondary school students

This is a tentative prize. The exact coverage and amount will be communicated to successful applicants during the award notification process.

Scholarship Renewal and Continuation

MSFN scholarships may be renewable for multiple years, subject to:

Maintaining the minimum CGPA requirement of 3.5/5.0
Continued active participation in community service activities
Adherence to scholarship terms and conditions
Availability of funding

Recipients must reapply or submit continuation forms at specified intervals to maintain their scholarship status.

MSFN’s Broader Impact

The Muslim Scholarship Fund Nigeria does more than provide financial assistance. The program aims to:

Preserve the Islamic identity of Nigerian Muslim youths
Prevent religious conversion motivated by economic necessity
Develop future Muslim leaders committed to community service
Create a network of educated Muslims who can contribute to national development
Demonstrate the Islamic values of knowledge-seeking and charitable giving

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can non-Muslims apply for the Muslim Scholarship Fund Nigeria?

No, the MSFN scholarship is exclusively for Nigerian Muslims. Applicants must be practicing Muslims and may be required to provide verification of their religious affiliation through community leaders or mosque attestations.

2. What is the application deadline for the 2026 MSFN scholarship?

Application deadlines vary annually and are announced on the official MSFN website and portal. Candidates should regularly check the website or subscribe to notifications to receive updates about application opening and closing dates for the 2026 cycle.

3. Can students from states outside the nine listed states apply?

Currently, the primary focus is on students from Kwara, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti states. However, MSFN has plans to expand nationwide. Students from other states may contact MSFN directly to inquire about eligibility or wait for the program’s expansion announcement.

4. Is the MSFN scholarship renewable each year?

Yes, the scholarship can be renewed for subsequent years, provided recipients maintain the minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0, continue their community service activities, and comply with all scholarship terms and conditions. Renewal procedures and requirements will be communicated to scholarship recipients.

5. What types of community service activities are acceptable?

Acceptable community service includes teaching in coaching classes, assisting people older than 70 years, participating in Muslim Students’ Society activities, organizing Islamic educational programs, mosque activities, community development projects, and other initiatives that benefit the Muslim community. Your activities must be verified by a recognized Muslim leader.

6. Can I apply for both undergraduate and secondary school scholarships simultaneously?

No, you should apply for the scholarship level corresponding to your current educational status. If you are in secondary school, apply for the secondary school scholarship. If you are an undergraduate, apply for the tertiary education scholarship.

7. What happens if my CGPA drops below 3.5 during my studies?

Scholarship recipients must maintain the minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0 throughout their studies. If your CGPA falls below this threshold, your scholarship may be suspended or terminated. Some allowances may be made for exceptional circumstances with proper documentation and justification.

8. How many students receive the MSFN scholarship each year?

The number of scholarship awards varies annually based on available funding and the number of qualified applicants. MSFN has not published specific statistics about annual awards, but the organization aims to support as many deserving students as resources permit.

9. Does MSFN provide scholarships for postgraduate studies?

The primary focus of MSFN is on senior secondary school and undergraduate tertiary education. Information about postgraduate scholarship opportunities should be confirmed directly with MSFN through their official channels, as program offerings may evolve over time.

10. What should I do if I encounter technical problems during the online application?

If you experience technical difficulties with the application portal, note the specific error message and contact MSFN’s technical support through the contact information provided on their official website. It’s advisable to attempt your application well before the deadline to allow time for resolving any technical issues.

Conclusion

The Muslim Scholarship Fund Nigeria represents a valuable opportunity for eligible Nigerian Muslim students to overcome financial barriers to quality education.

By following this comprehensive guide and carefully preparing your application, you can maximize your chances of receiving this life-changing support.

Application is currently ongoing. Take advantage of it and apply as soon as possible.