The Cyfed Undergraduate Scholarship is part of the OCI Foundation’s suite of academic support programmes designed to help economically disadvantaged yet promising Nigerian undergraduates complete their degrees and contribute to national development.
The scheme includes both the Cyfed Undergraduate Scholarship (CUS) and the Cyfed-Bradley Hope Scholarship (CBH), with application cycles typically running every year from February 22 to April 26.
What the Cyfed Scholarships Are
The Cyfed scholarships are merit-based and need-aligned awards that support high-potential Nigerian students enrolled full-time in accredited Nigerian universities, polytechnics, or affiliated institutions. These scholarships aim to reduce financial barriers, help scholars complete their undergraduate studies, and equip them for future career success.
The programmes include:
- Cyfed Undergraduate Scholarship (CUS) – for applicants from Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State.
- Cyfed-Bradley Hope Scholarship (CBH) – for undergraduates from all parts of Anambra State (CBH-Anambra) and any state in Nigeria outside Anambra (CBH-National).
Application Timeline (2026)
- Application Opens: 22 February 2026
- Application Closes: 26 April 2026 (11:59 PM GMT)
Applications are submitted online through the official Cyfed application portal.
Who Can Apply – Eligibility Requirements
General Eligibility (Both CUS & CBH)
To qualify for either scholarship:
- You must be a full-time undergraduate student in a recognized Nigerian university or polytechnic.
- First-time applicants should be in 100-level or hold an admission offer that begins within the application year.
- Renewing scholars must have held the scholarship previously and maintain a CGPA of at least 3.0.
- Applicants must not be related to the OCI Foundation’s trustees, founders, or officers.
Specific Eligibility
- CUS: Applicants must be indigenes of Anambra East Local Government Area.
- CBH-Anambra: Applicants must be indigenes of Anambra State.
- CBH-National: Applicants can be from any part of Nigeria outside Anambra State.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following certified documents (certified scans, originals may be required for interview):
- Government-issued ID (National ID, Voter’s Card, International Passport) or birth certificate (if under 18).
- Official letter from your school’s Head of Department (with personal and academic details).
- Recent passport photograph.
- JAMB/UME result and Senior Secondary School certificate (WASSCE/NECO).
- A 500-word personal essay (often an essay such as “My Family”).
All submitted documents must be verified during application review and interviews.
Scholarship Value & Renewal
According to the programme’s frequently asked questions:
- The CBH awards are typically ₦100,000 per annum (may vary slightly by cohort).
- The CUS award has historically ranged (e.g., previously NGN 70,000 and ongoing).
Both scholarships are renewable annually if renewal criteria are met, including satisfactory academics and continuing enrollment.
Selection Criteria
The scholarship board evaluates applicants based on:
- Academic performance and discipline
- Leadership potential
- Financial need
- Personal essay and supporting documentation
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
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Career & Development Benefits
Beyond financial support, Cyfed Scholars may receive:
- Membership in the foundation’s alumni network
- Invitations to OCI Foundation activities and learning opportunities
- Networking opportunities with other high-achieving scholars
These benefits help graduates transition into postgraduate education or the workforce.
Application Tips
- Start early and verify all scanned documents are certified and legible.
- Pay special attention to your essay; make it original and reflective of your story.
- Ensure your ID and school letters are current and correctly formatted.
Conclusion
The OCI Foundation’s Cyfed Undergraduate Scholarships support bright and industrious students who may otherwise struggle to complete their education. These awards are free to apply for and aim to foster academic excellence and leadership among Nigerian undergraduates.
To apply and view full requirements, visit the official portal:
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