Understanding the 2026 LONG Scholars Program

The 2026 LONG Scholars Program offers a significant opportunity for Nigerian undergraduate students facing financial challenges. This scholarship aims to ease the burden of higher education costs, providing financial support for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. For students from low-income families, securing a university education can be a difficult journey. The LONG Empowerment Foundation seeks to bridge this gap, offering a pathway to academic success and future opportunities.

This program is specifically designed for Nigerian students who have already gained admission or are currently enrolled in accredited Nigerian institutions offering Bachelor’s Degree programs. It emphasizes not only academic merit but also leadership potential and a commitment to community involvement. Understanding the requirements and application process is key to successfully securing this valuable scholarship.

Program Overview and Benefits

The LONG Scholars Program is an initiative by the LONG Empowerment Foundation to support Nigerian students pursuing university education. The scholarship provides substantial financial aid, valued at a minimum of ₦350,000 per academic year. This funding is intended to cover essential educational costs, including tuition fees, accommodation, and daily living expenses.

A key benefit of this scholarship is its renewable nature. Successful applicants can have their funding renewed each academic year, provided they maintain satisfactory academic performance and continue to demonstrate financial need. This ensures ongoing support throughout their undergraduate studies. The program also does not require an IELTS test, making it more accessible to local students.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be considered for the 2026 LONG Scholars Program, candidates must meet a specific set of criteria. Applicants must be between 16 and 26 years old. They must either have secured admission into a Nigerian university or be currently enrolled as a continuing student.

For continuing students, a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale, equivalent to a second-class upper division, is required. New students must present proof of admission, which includes a signed admission and acceptance letter, a copy of their WAEC results with at least five credits, and a copy of their JAMB result with a minimum score of 200.

Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and active involvement in their communities. A crucial aspect of the application is proving financial need. Candidates must come from families with an annual income below ₦3,000,000 and be able to provide evidence of this, such as parents’ bank statements or a recommendation from the school’s bursar.

Required Documentation for Application

Prospective applicants need to prepare several documents to complete their application for the LONG Scholars Program. The application form itself must be filled out accurately and submitted. A letter of recommendation is also a required component, suggesting the need for individuals who can speak to the applicant’s character, academic abilities, and potential.

Applicants will need to provide a recent passport photograph and a valid form of identification. Additionally, scholarship essays are a mandatory part of the application. These essays likely serve as an opportunity for candidates to articulate their goals, explain their financial situation, and showcase their leadership qualities and community engagement.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application for the 2026 LONG Scholars Program is an online process. Interested and qualified candidates are directed to an application dashboard via a provided link. Here, they will need to complete the application form thoroughly and upload all the necessary supporting documents as specified.

The application window opens on May 22nd, 2026, and closes on June 18th, 2026. It is essential for all applications to be submitted online within this period. After the deadline, eligible applications will undergo a review process by the foundation’s team. Offers of the scholarship are typically made in late August.

Frequently Asked Questions