The Grooming Centre, a Nigerian microfinance institution, has announced the 2026 Grooming Centre University Grant Scheme, aiming to support research in areas such as financial inclusion, microfinance, rural development, social enterprise, and digital finance. Apply Now:
Application Deadline: October 23, 2026
Tell Me About The Award:
The Grooming Centre University Grant Scheme 2026 is a research funding opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students conducting research at recognized tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The scheme supports research that can contribute to financial inclusion, microfinance, rural development, social enterprise, MSMEs, technological development, digital finance, youth development, women in development, and other research aimed at lifting people out of poverty.
The 2026 scheme will provide a total of ₦20 million in grants to successful undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Eligible research areas include:
- Financial inclusion
- Microfinance
- Rural development
- Social enterprise
- MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)
- Technological development
- Digital finance
- Youth in development
- Women in development
- Other research aimed at lifting people out of poverty within the Nigerian context
Research must be relevant to Nigeria, practical, innovative, and capable of promoting development in one or more of these areas.
Type:
University research grant.
Who Can Apply?
The grant is open to students who are:
- Currently enrolled as undergraduate or postgraduate students.
- Studying at a recognized Nigerian tertiary institution.
- Students of universities approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) or polytechnics approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
- Conducting research that falls within the scheme’s eligible areas.
Applicants must also demonstrate originality, imaginative thought, and data inclusiveness in their research.
A written and signed recommendation from the applicant’s project supervisor is mandatory.
How Are Applicants Selected?
The supplied source states that the Grooming Centre will evaluate applications and notify successful applicants through email or announcements on its official website.
Applicants should ensure that their research proposal meets the thematic and formatting requirements before submission.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Nigeria.
The opportunity is for students studying at recognized Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
The grant is for research conducted by students at recognized Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
How Many Awards?
The source states that the grant will be awarded to:
- 100 undergraduate students
- 50 postgraduate students
This makes 150 student recipients in total.
What Is the Benefit of the Award?
Successful applicants will receive research funding from the ₦20 million grant pool.
According to the supplied source:
- Undergraduates: ₦100,000 each
- Postgraduates: ₦200,000 each
The grant is intended to provide direct financial support for students’ research activities.
The source also describes the opportunity as providing mentorship and networking benefits.
How Long Will the Award Last?
The supplied source does not specify a fixed duration for the grant.
How to Apply:
The application is conducted online.
Applicants should:
- Visit the Grooming Centre University Grant application portal.
- Access the application form.
- Enter their personal information and academic details.
- Select their programme type: Undergraduate or Postgraduate.
- Upload the required documents.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
- Keep any confirmation or application reference received after submission.
The application is free, and applicants should be cautious of unofficial communications or requests for payment.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Recent passport photograph
- Personal profile/CV or résumé
- Research concept/proposal
- Written and signed recommendation from the project supervisor
- Details proving current course of study and institution
- Academic transcripts, where requested
The research concept/proposal should typically be 10–20 pages and follow the stated formatting requirements, including Times New Roman, size 12, and 1.5 line spacing.
