Grooming Centre University Research Grant Scheme: Funding for 150 Nigerian ResearchersÂ
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The Grooming Centre University Research Grant Scheme is run by Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre (Grooming Centre), a leading microfinance institution in Nigeria, now in its seventh year. The scheme catalyzes research and knowledge development in areas such as financial inclusion, microfinance, rural development, social enterprise, MSMEs, technological development, digital finance, and youth or women in development — or any related research aimed at lifting people out of poverty. It supports 100 undergraduate and 50 postgraduate students conducting relevant research at Nigerian tertiary institutions. Applicants submit a detailed research concept alongside a supervisor’s recommendation. Note: The source material shows two different submission windows (see Important Dates below), so applicants should confirm the current dates directly with Grooming Centre before preparing their submission.
Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Grooming Centre University Research Grant Scheme |
| Provider | Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre (Grooming Centre) |
| University/Institution | Any NUC/NBTE-approved Nigerian university or polytechnic |
| Study Country | Nigeria |
| Study Level | Undergraduate and Postgraduate |
| Degree/Program | Research-based grant, not tied to a specific degree programme |
| Eligible Countries | Nigeria |
| Target Applicants | Undergraduate and postgraduate students researching financial inclusion, microfinance, rural development, MSMEs, digital finance, or related poverty-reduction topics |
| Funding Type | Research grant (amount not specified) |
| Funding Coverage | Not specified |
| Application Deadline | Source material shows conflicting dates — a countdown banner lists 31 August–23 October 2026, while the application section states submissions open 21 July 2025 and close 10 October 2025. Confirm the current window directly with Grooming Centre. |
| Study Start | Not applicable (research grant, not an admission-linked scholarship) |
| Scholarship Duration | Not specified |
| Application Fee | Not specified |
| Official Website | Grooming Centre’s official application page (not specified in source material) |
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The source material does not specify the monetary value or exact benefits of the grant. What is confirmed:
- The scheme funds research studies in the specified thematic areas
- 100 undergraduate and 50 postgraduate awards are available in this cycle
Applicants should confirm the exact grant amount and any additional benefits directly with Grooming Centre.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be an undergraduate or postgraduate student at a Nigerian tertiary institution
- Research must fall within: financial inclusion, microfinance, rural development, social enterprise, MSMEs, technological development, digital finance, youth in development, women in development, or other research aimed at lifting people out of poverty
- Research must be relevant to the Nigerian context, practical, innovative, and capable of promoting the above areas within Nigeria
- Research must demonstrate a high level of originality, imaginative thought, and be data-inclusive
- No age, gender, religious, or ethnic barriers to application
- Must be a student at an NUC- or NBTE-approved Nigerian university or polytechnic
- Must submit a written and signed recommendation from their project supervisor
- Empirical review within the research must cover the 2019–2025 timeframe
Required Documents
- A written and signed recommendation from the applicant’s project supervisor
- A research concept of 10–20 pages, including: Introduction, Statement of the Problem, Research Questions, Research Objectives, Significance of the Study, Operationalization of Terms, Scope of the Study, Literature and Theoretical Review (Preamble, Conceptual Literature, Empirical Literature, Theoretical Orientation, Conceptual Framework, Hypotheses), Methodology (Preamble, Research Design, Study Area, Study Population, Methods of Data Collection, Sample Size and Sampling Technique, Reliability and Validity Test, Methods of Data Analysis, Ethical Consideration), and References in APA 6 format
- Candidate’s personal profile
- A final soft copy of the completed research project, submitted upon completion of the study
- All documents formatted in Microsoft Word, Times New Roman, font size 12, with 1.5 line spacing
How to Apply
- Confirm your research topic falls within one of the scheme’s thematic areas and is relevant to the Nigerian context.
- Download and follow the official abstract guide to structure your research application document (an audio guide is also available).
- Secure a written and signed recommendation from your project supervisor.
- Prepare your 10–20 page research concept following the required structure and formatting (MS Word, Times New Roman 12, 1.5 line spacing).
- Submit your complete application as a soft copy via the application page on the Grooming Centre website within the confirmed submission window.
- Submit a final soft copy of your completed research project once your study is finished.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission Window (per countdown banner) | 31 August – 23 October 2026 |
| Submission Window (per application section text) | 21 July 2025 – 10 October 2025 |
Note: These two dates conflict in the source material. Confirm the correct, current submission window directly with Grooming Centre before applying.
Can International Students Apply?
No. Eligibility is restricted to students at NUC- or NBTE-approved Nigerian universities or polytechnics, making this a Nigeria-specific research grant rather than an internationally open opportunity.
Can African and Nigerian Students Apply?
Yes, for Nigerian students specifically — the scheme is explicitly tied to Nigerian tertiary institutions and Nigerian-context research. The available information does not indicate eligibility for students from other African countries.
Important Things to Know
- The scheme is now in its seventh year, run by Grooming Centre, a Nigerian microfinance institution.
- There is a discrepancy in the source material regarding the submission window — verify the current dates before preparing your application.
- The research concept has a detailed required structure and strict formatting rules (Word, Times New Roman 12, 1.5 spacing).
- A supervisor’s written and signed recommendation is mandatory.
- Empirical literature reviewed in the proposal must fall within the 2019–2025 timeframe.
- There are no age, gender, religious, or ethnic barriers to applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Grooming Centre University Research Grant Scheme? Undergraduate and postgraduate students at NUC/NBTE-approved Nigerian institutions conducting research in financial inclusion, microfinance, rural development, MSMEs, digital finance, or related poverty-reduction topics.
Can Nigerian students apply? Yes — this scheme is specifically for students at Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Can other African or international students apply? Not specified; eligibility as described is limited to Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Is this scholarship fully funded? The available information does not specify the grant amount or full coverage details.
What is the application deadline? The source material shows two different windows (31 August–23 October 2026, and 21 July–10 October 2025) — confirm the current deadline with Grooming Centre.
How many awards are available? 100 undergraduate and 50 postgraduate awards.
What documents are required? A supervisor’s recommendation, a formatted 10–20 page research concept, a personal profile, and, on completion, a final soft copy of the research project.
