Host Country: Nigeria
Scholarship Type: High School and Undergraduate
Category: Fully Funded Scholarships in Nigeria
Target Group: Female Nigerian Citizens
Scholarship Value: ₦1 Million Total
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₦350,000 per year (High School)
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₦650,000 per year (Undergraduate)
Application Deadline: June 20, 2025
Introduction to the FBM Scholarship Program
The Florence Bamidele Makanjuola (FBM) Scholarship, a flagship initiative of the Opekete Foundation, stands as one of the most impactful fully funded scholarships for Nigerian women in 2025. This transformative educational bursary is exclusively offered to female students pursuing careers in nursing, teaching, or STEM disciplines.
With a generous annual disbursement of up to ₦650,000 for undergraduates and ₦350,000 for high school students, the FBM Scholarship seeks to bridge the financial gap for promising Nigerian girls committed to academic excellence and community transformation.
Legacy of Florence Bamidele Makanjuola
Empowering Women Through Education and Healthcare
The late Mrs. Florence Bamidele Makanjuola (1921–2021) was a pioneering Nigerian educator and nurse whose legacy continues through the Opekete Foundation. Having benefited from a scholarship to study nursing in the United Kingdom, she became a passionate advocate for female empowerment through education.
Driven by her mission to eradicate poverty, promote independence, and increase representation in healthcare and education, she inspired a movement. Today, the Opekete Foundation honors her dream by investing in young Nigerian women who aspire to become teachers, nurses, and STEM leaders.
About the Opekete Foundation
Investing in Nigeria’s Future Leaders
The Opekete Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to educational development, particularly among marginalized female communities. Their core focus is to build a pipeline of skilled female professionals who will contribute meaningfully to national growth.
Through the FBM Scholarship, the foundation ensures that economic hardship does not deter bright young women from achieving their dreams in sectors critical to national progress—namely, STEM education, teaching, and healthcare.
Scholarship Overview
Funding Structure
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High School Recipients: Up to ₦350,000 annually
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Undergraduate Recipients: Up to ₦650,000 annually
The total value for each recipient over the course of their academic journey can reach ₦1 million, making this one of the most competitive Nigerian scholarships for female students.
Duration of Award
The scholarship covers:
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The full academic session (renewable based on academic performance and conduct)
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Annual renewals are contingent upon meeting set academic and behavioral standards
Who Should Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2025 FBM Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Be a female Nigerian citizen
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Currently enrolled or newly admitted into a public university or federal government-owned senior secondary school
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Must intend to pursue or be pursuing a degree in Teaching, STEM, or Nursing
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Must have strong academic records, especially in core subjects like English and Mathematics
Academic Requirements
For Secondary School Applicants:
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Minimum of 5 Distinctions (A or B) in Junior WAEC, including:
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English
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Mathematics
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3 other major subjects
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For University Applicants:
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Minimum of 5 Distinctions (A1–B3) in WAEC/NECO at one sitting
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Must meet the required JAMB cut-off score for the chosen course and institution
Focus Disciplines
Nursing Scholarships for Nigerian Women
Given the dire shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, the scholarship prioritizes female students pursuing nursing. It supports future caregivers who will play a vital role in community healthcare delivery and maternal wellness.
STEM Scholarships for Female Students
Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) remain underrepresented. This scholarship supports those breaking barriers and pursuing degrees in fields like computer science, engineering, biotechnology, and data science.
Scholarships for Teaching Professionals
Education remains the foundation of any thriving society. The FBM Scholarship also empowers aspiring female teachers, ensuring that classrooms are filled with capable, inspiring women who will shape the next generation.
Why Apply?
Key Benefits of the FBM Scholarship
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Financial Independence: Covers significant educational costs, including fees, books, and other essentials
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Empowerment and Mentorship: Recipients may access training, career counseling, and mentorship from Opekete Foundation alumni
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National Development Contribution: Become part of a new wave of female leaders addressing Nigeria’s education and health sector challenges
Selection Criteria
What Sets Successful Applicants Apart
The FBM Scholarship is highly competitive. To stand out, applicants should demonstrate:
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Academic excellence
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A clear passion for community development
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Commitment to career goals in nursing, teaching, or STEM
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Strong moral character and leadership potential
The selection committee reviews each application holistically to identify the most promising future female leaders.
Application Timeline
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Opening Date: May 21, 2025
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Closing Date: June 20, 2025
Late submissions will not be accepted. It’s crucial to apply early and ensure all documents are correctly uploaded.
Application Process
How to Apply
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Visit the Official Application Portal: Opekete Foundation Scholarship Page
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Create an Applicant Profile
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Upload Required Documents, including:
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Admission letter (for undergraduates)
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Academic results (WAEC/NECO/JSS)
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Identification documents
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A personal statement (300–500 words) detailing:
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Your goals
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Why you chose your field
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How the scholarship will impact your journey
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Submit before the Deadline: June 20, 2025
Documents Checklist
Before you begin your application, ensure you have the following:
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Valid admission letter or school enrollment proof
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Certified copies of academic transcripts or results
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National Identity Card, NIN, or passport
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Passport-sized photograph
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A well-written personal essay (focus on purpose, impact, and passion)
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
How to Win the FBM Scholarship
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Be Authentic: Share real-life stories that shaped your desire to pursue nursing, teaching, or a STEM career.
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Highlight Academic Strength: Emphasize achievements in science, mathematics, or English.
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Demonstrate Impact: Showcase how you’ve already made a difference or plan to contribute to your community.
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Proofread Your Essay: Ensure clarity, grammatical accuracy, and a strong personal voice.
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Follow Instructions Closely: Pay close attention to document formats, deadlines, and submission guidelines.
Long-Term Impact
Transforming Nigeria Through Female Education
By empowering women to lead in STEM, education, and healthcare, the FBM Scholarship is not just awarding funds—it’s shaping the future of Nigeria. Alumni of this program are expected to:
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Innovate in underserved areas
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Contribute to policy change
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Build sustainable healthcare and education systems
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Mentor younger generations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can male students apply?
No. The FBM Scholarship is exclusively for female Nigerian citizens.
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes. The scholarship can be renewed yearly, based on academic performance and conduct.
Can private school students apply?
No. Only applicants enrolled in federal or public government-owned secondary schools or universities are eligible.
Does the scholarship cover all university courses?
No. Priority is given to candidates pursuing Nursing, STEM, and Teaching disciplines.
Is there an interview?
In some cases, shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview or additional screening.
Why the FBM Scholarship Matters
The 2025 Florence Bamidele Makanjuola Scholarship is more than financial support. It is a movement toward gender equity, national development, and social transformation. In a country where thousands of girls drop out of school due to financial constraints, this scholarship is a beacon of hope.
By investing in female education and professional training, the Opekete Foundation ensures that Nigeria’s future is inclusive, empowered, and prepared to lead on the global stage.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a young Nigerian woman passionate about changing the world through teaching, nursing, or science, the 2025 FBM Scholarship is your opportunity to unlock a brighter future. Don’t let financial barriers limit your ambition—take that bold step and apply.
Apply Now
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Application Portal: Click here to apply
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Opens: May 21, 2025
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Closes: June 20, 2025
Ensure you meet the requirements, gather your documents, and submit your application early. The future is waiting—and the FBM Scholarship could be the key to your success.