Every year, thousands of bright Nigerian students struggle to pay for university because their families cannot afford it. The Taiwo Bankole Scholarship is designed to change that for a small number of deserving young people from Ajegunle, Lagos, by covering their tuition, accommodation and living costs.
The 2026 call closes on Thursday, November 6, 2026, which gives you about three weeks from today. This guide covers who qualifies, what the scholarship pays for, the documents you need and how to prepare a strong application. For more opportunities like this, browse our Scholarships section.
Taiwo Bankole Scholarship at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host | Paradigm Initiative |
| Category | Undergraduate scholarships |
| Eligible country | Nigeria |
| Fields of study | Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) or Law |
| Number of awards | Two scholars annually |
| Reward | Tuition, accommodation, living stipend and other allowances |
| Deadline | November 6, 2026 |
About the Taiwo Bankole Scholarship
The scholarship supports two young people each year from low-income families resident in Ajegunle to study STEM or Law at a public university. It is awarded in honour of Taiwo Bankole Ogunyemi, who dedicated his life to positively impacting young people and had a mission to change the world.
The scholarship is offered by Paradigm Initiative (PIN), and it is aimed at bright students from less privileged backgrounds in Ajegunle, a community that hosted the organisation in its early days.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Successful scholars receive support for:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Living stipend
- Other associated study costs at their university
Hostel costs are a major worry for many students, so see our guide on hostel accommodation fees in popular Nigerian universities to understand what this benefit is worth.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, you must:
- Be between 17 and 25 years old
- Come from a low-income family
- Have secured admission into a public university in Nigeria
- Be offered a course in STEM or Law
- Be a resident of Ajegunle
Because the scholarship is open only to students who already have admission, you need an admission letter before you can apply. If you are still waiting on your admission status, our guide on how to check an admission list on JAMB CAPS shows how the process works.
Documents Required
Prepare the following before you start:
- SSCE certificate (WAEC, NECO or equivalent)
- JAMB result
- Admission letter
- Valid identification: NIN, international passport, voter’s card or driver’s licence
- Two letters of recommendation: one from a teacher or principal of your school, and one from the Ajegunle custodian, describing your personality
Request your recommendation letters early. Referees need time to write good ones, so do not leave this until the last week.
Many universities also ask for original documents at physical screening, so keeping your results, birth certificate and admission letter organised helps on both fronts. See what ATBU Bauchi required at its 2026/2027 physical screening as an example.
How to Apply for the Taiwo Bankole Scholarship
The announcement did not include a step-by-step portal process, so follow these general steps and confirm the exact method on Paradigm Initiative’s official channels:
- Confirm you meet every requirement, especially age, residency and public university admission.
- Gather your documents and scan them clearly.
- Request your two recommendation letters from your school and your Ajegunle custodian.
- Find the official application page on Paradigm Initiative’s website or announcement.
- Complete the application carefully and double-check every detail.
- Submit before November 6, 2026, and save a confirmation or screenshot.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply early. Do not wait for the last day, when websites can slow down.
- Be honest and clear about your circumstances. The scholarship targets students from low-income families, so make sure your application reflects your situation accurately.
- Choose referees who know you well. A specific, personal letter is more useful than a generic one.
- Keep your documents consistent. Names, dates and details should match across your certificate, JAMB result, admission letter and ID.
- Avoid scams. Do not pay anyone to “secure” a scholarship. Use only official channels.
- Apply for other support too. Scholarship competition is high, so do not rely on one opportunity.
Not From Ajegunle? Other Funding Options
If you are not eligible for this scholarship, these may fit better:
- Oyo State students: see our guide to the Oyo State Government Bursary Award 2026.
- Undergraduates generally: browse all undergraduate scholarships.
- Postgraduate students: explore Masters scholarships, PhD scholarships and fellowships.
- Graduate opportunities abroad: see the FUTA Erasmus Scholarship 2026/2027 and the AIMS Masters in Mathematical Sciences 2026/2027 cohort.
Planning Your STEM or Law Course
Since this scholarship is for STEM and Law students, it helps to know what each course requires:
- Check the OAU admission requirements for UTME subject combinations in Law, Engineering, Science and more.
- See the courses offered in UNIOSUN for a full programme list by college.
- Budget for tuition elsewhere with Elizade University school fees and CUSTECH school fees.
For more help with school processes, visit our Academic Guide section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for the Taiwo Bankole Scholarship 2026?
November 6, 2026.
Who can apply?
Low-income, Ajegunle-resident Nigerians aged 17 to 25 who have been admitted into a public Nigerian university to study STEM or Law.
How many scholars are selected each year?
Two.
What does the scholarship cover?
Tuition, accommodation, a living stipend and other associated study costs.
Can I apply with a private university admission?
No. The requirement is admission into a public university in Nigeria.
Do I need an admission letter to apply?
Yes. The admission letter is one of the required documents.
Who writes the recommendation letters?
One from a teacher or principal of your school, and one from the Ajegunle custodian.
The Taiwo Bankole Scholarship offers a rare chance for two students a year to study STEM or Law without worrying about fees, housing or living costs. With the November 6, 2026 deadline approaching, confirm your eligibility, gather your documents, request your recommendation letters and apply through official channels.
Keep checking our Undergraduate scholarships page for new opportunities.
Always confirm the latest requirements and deadlines on Paradigm Initiative’s official channels before applying, as details can change.
