The scholarship, an acronym for Scholarships for Knowledge, Innovation, Leadership, and Learning, is designed to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder capable students from pursuing careers in high-demand fields such as software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and technology entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the announcement, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Dr. David Seyi Akanbi, described the programme as a strategic economic intervention targeting Nigeria’s next generation of innovators and industry leaders.
“As the world accelerates toward a digital-first economy, the demand for specialised skills continues to rise, yet millions of brilliant young Nigerians remain excluded because they cannot afford tuition,” Dr. Akanbi said. “The SKILL Scholarship is designed to identify builders, problem-solvers, and future leaders, rather than merely high scorers in examinations.”
Unlike traditional scholarships, the SKILL initiative adopts a broader assessment framework known as the 100-Point SKILL Scorecard, which evaluates applicants across five key dimensions. Verified financial need is a prerequisite, while Knowledge and Innovation account for 30 per cent each through a technical competency test and a “Builder’s Portfolio” of real-world projects. Leadership and Learning make up the remaining 40 per cent, assessed via video essays, interviews, and evidence of continuous self-development and adaptability.
The scholarship offers three tiers of tuition support. The Titan Award provides 100 per cent tuition coverage for the top one to two per cent of applicants. The Innovator Grant covers 50 per cent of tuition for high-potential candidates with strong portfolios, while the Access Bursary offers 25 per cent assistance to students with significant financial need and solid academic potential.
Applications for the upcoming academic session have opened, with prospective students required to complete a technical assessment, submit a portfolio, and present a video pitch explaining how their education would contribute to the world.
Dr. Akanbi emphasised that the initiative aligns with the university’s mission to expand access to flexible, equitable, and technology-driven higher education while contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth. “This scholarship ensures that no talented Nigerian is left behind. We are preparing the workforce for the future, equipping them with advanced tools, modern curricula, and expert mentorship,” he said.
Education analysts have described the SKILL Scholarship as a timely intervention that could transform the country’s digital economy. By investing in young innovators and leaders, the programme is expected to cultivate a generation capable of driving technological innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The university said the SKILL Scholarship represents a commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities that ensure Nigeria remains competitive in a global knowledge economy.
