Oando NEPL/OERNL Scholarship 2026 – Requirements, How to Apply

NEPL/OERNL JV Tertiary Scholarship 2026/2027 is open for 100-level students in Nigerian universities. ₦200,000 annual grant. Deadline: 1 April 2026.

What Is the NEPL/OERNL JV Tertiary Scholarship 2026/2027?

The NEPL/OERNL JV Tertiary Scholarship 2026/2027 is a merit-based scholarship for full-time 100-level undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions. It is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative by the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (OERNL) Joint Venture. Applications are currently open.

The scholarship offers a ₦200,000 annual grant to selected students. The award is renewable and covers recipients from the point of selection through to their final year of study, provided they maintain the required CGPA. This makes it one of the more generous undergraduate scholarships available to first-year students in Nigeria.

There are two categories of awards under this scheme. The Host/Transit Communities Merit Award is for indigenes of Oando host and transit communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Imo States. The National Merit Award is for students from non-host communities, but only those studying Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, or Agricultural Sciences. Both categories are open strictly to 100-level students.

Applications opened on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, and will close on Wednesday, 1 April 2026. The application is free of charge, and the selection process includes an online aptitude test for shortlisted candidates. If you are a first-year student at a Nigerian tertiary institution, read through the full details below to confirm your eligibility and apply before the deadline.

About the NEPL/OERNL Joint Venture Scholarship Scheme

The NEPL/OERNL JV Tertiary Scholarship is an annual initiative run as part of the Joint Venture’s commitment to community development and human capital investment. Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited operates the NEPL/OERNL Joint Venture and administers the scholarship through the Scholastica platform, which is managed by Dragnet Solutions.

Oando Energy Resources is a leading African exploration and production company with significant investments in onshore and offshore oil and gas assets. The scholarship scheme has been running for several years and targets first-year undergraduates as a way of supporting academic excellence from the earliest stage of tertiary education. The programme is designed to identify promising students through a rigorous application and aptitude testing process, and then fund their education throughout their degree programme.

The scholarship is merit-based and strictly free. NHEF warns applicants not to pay anyone or offer any inducement to facilitate the application. Any attempt to submit multiple applications will result in disqualification.

Scholarship Award Categories: Which One Applies to You?

Understanding which category you fall under is essential before you begin your application. Each category has different eligibility rules and targets different groups of students.

Host/Transit Communities Merit Award

This category is reserved for indigenes of Oando host and transit communities in four states: Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Imo. If you are from one of these communities, you can apply regardless of your course of study. You will need to provide additional documentation, including a letter from the Community Paramount Ruler and a letter from the CDC Chairman, to verify your community affiliation.

National Merit Award

This category is open to students from non-host and non-transit communities across Nigeria. However, eligibility is limited to students studying specific disciplines. Only applicants studying Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, or Agricultural Sciences qualify for this award. If your course does not fall within these fields, you are not eligible for the National Merit Award.

Eligibility Requirements for the NEPL/OERNL JV Scholarship

The eligibility criteria are specific and strictly enforced. Make sure you meet every requirement before starting your application, as incomplete or ineligible applications will not be reviewed.

You must be a registered full-time undergraduate in a Nigerian tertiary institution. You must be a certified 100-level student at the time of application. Students in 200 level and above are not eligible. You must be a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. There is no age limit for applicants.

Certain categories of students are excluded from applying. Current beneficiaries of similar scholarship awards from other oil and gas companies or agencies cannot apply. Dependants of staff of Oando PLC and its subsidiaries are also not eligible. For the National Merit Award, only students studying Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, or Agricultural Sciences can apply. For the Host Communities Merit Award, only indigenes of Oando host or transit communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Imo States are eligible.

Required Documents for the Scholarship Application

Before starting your application, prepare clear scanned copies of all required documents. Each file must not exceed 200KB in size. Your passport photograph must be in JPEG format, while other documents can be in PDF, DOC, or DOCX format. Name each file according to what it represents to avoid mixing up documents during upload.

The Compliance Form must be downloaded, filled out, and uploaded as part of your application. You can download it from this link (opens in a new tab). Documents 9 and 10 are only required for applicants under the Host/Transit Communities Merit Award.

Scholarship Selection Process: Aptitude Test and Shortlisting

The selection process for the NEPL/OERNL JV Scholarship is competitive and merit-based. It follows a structured evaluation process after the application deadline.

After the application window closes, all submissions are stored in a database and evaluated. A shortlist of qualified applicants is then compiled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to participate in an online aptitude test. The test is conducted entirely online, so you do not need to travel to any physical location.

Applicants who score less than 50 per cent in the aptitude test will not be considered for the scholarship. This threshold is strictly enforced. Candidates who did not make the shortlist or who did not qualify will be notified at the end of the scholarship campaign. If you are shortlisted for the aptitude test, you will receive communication via the email and phone number you provided during registration.

How to Apply for the NEPL/OERNL JV Tertiary Scholarship 2026/2027

The application is completed entirely online through the Scholastica portal. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is submitted correctly and completely.

Step 1: Visit the scholarship portal at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/oandoscholarship2026 (opens in a new tab).

Step 2: Click “Register Now” to create a new account. Enter your name, email address, phone number, and a password.

Step 3: Go to your email inbox and click the activation link to verify your account. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not see the email in your inbox.

Step 4: Return to the scholarship portal and log in with your registered email and password.

Step 5: Complete your profile by entering your personal information, National Identification Number (if available), educational information, and other required details.

Step 6: Upload all required scanned documents. Make sure each file is properly labelled and does not exceed 200KB. View each document after uploading to confirm there are no errors.

Step 7: Upload a passport photograph with a white background. The image must be 450px by 450px and in JPEG format.

Step 8: Download and fill out the Compliance Form (opens in a new tab), then upload it to the documents section of your application.

Step 9: Ensure the name used in your application matches the names on all your documents in the same order. If there is a discrepancy, upload a sworn affidavit or change-of-name certificate.

Step 10: Review all your information and uploaded documents carefully for errors.

Step 11: Click “Apply Now” to submit your application. You will receive an email and SMS confirming that your submission was successful.

Step 12: After submitting, return to the portal and download your profile. Take the printed profile to your Head of Department for signing. Scan the signed profile and upload it back to the portal for verification.

Step 13: If you did not provide your NIN in Step 5, you can return to the portal at any time before the deadline to update your application with your National Identification Number. Providing your NIN is not compulsory, but it is recommended.

Do not submit more than one application. Multiple applications will result in disqualification from the scholarship. Use a laptop or desktop computer for the application process and make sure you have a stable internet connection throughout.

Important Dates for the Scholarship Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Many applicants lose their chance at this scholarship because of avoidable errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Make sure your documents are properly scanned and clearly legible. Blurry or unreadable documents will count against your application. Ensure every file is within the 200KB size limit and in the correct format. Label each document according to what it represents so there is no confusion during the review process.

Double-check that the name on your application matches the names on all your supporting documents in the exact same order. If your name appears differently on any document, upload a sworn affidavit or change-of-name certificate to explain the discrepancy. Do not leave any required field blank on the application form. Incomplete applications will be cancelled and will not be reviewed.

Do not apply under the wrong category. If you are not an indigene of an Oando host or transit community, do not apply for the Host Communities Merit Award. If your course is not Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, or Agricultural Sciences, do not apply for the National Merit Award. Applying under a category you do not qualify for will result in disqualification.

Contact Information for Enquiries and Technical Support

If you encounter any issues during the application process or have questions about the scholarship, you can reach the Scholastica support team through the following channels.

Email: scholastica@dragnet-solutions.com

Phone: 0700 123 7880 (lines open 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., Monday to Friday)

If your course of study is not listed in your institution’s course list on the application form, send an email to scholastica@dragnet-solutions.com with the name of your course, faculty, CGPA scale, and institution. The course will be added within 24 hours. However, adding a course to your institution’s list does not automatically make it eligible for the scholarship. Always check the eligibility page for the list of approved courses.

Final Thoughts

The NEPL/OERNL JV Tertiary Scholarship 2026/2027 is a valuable opportunity for 100-level students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. With a ₦200,000 annual grant that is renewable through to your final year, it provides meaningful financial support throughout your undergraduate education. The scholarship is free to apply for and strictly merit-based, so your qualifications and application quality are what matter most.

If you are a first-year student studying Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, or Agricultural Sciences, or if you are an indigene of an Oando host or transit community in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, or Imo State, you should apply before 1 April 2026. Prepare all your documents in advance, fill out the application carefully, and submit well before the deadline. Share this opportunity with classmates and friends who are also in their first year of study.

FAQs About the NEPL/OERNL JV Tertiary Scholarship 2026/2027

What is the NEPL/OERNL JV Tertiary Scholarship?

It is a merit-based scholarship by the NNPC E&P Limited and Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited Joint Venture for full-time 100-level undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The scholarship provides ₦200,000 per year and is renewable until the recipient’s final year.

Who is eligible to apply?

Full-time 100-level students in Nigerian tertiary institutions can apply. For the National Merit Award, only students studying Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, or Agricultural Sciences qualify. For the Host Communities Merit Award, only indigenes of Oando host or transit communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Imo States are eligible.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is 1 April 2026. Applications opened on 3 March 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, and the portal closes at the stipulated deadline.

Is there a fee to apply for this scholarship?

No. The application is completely free. Applicants are warned not to pay anyone or offer any inducement to facilitate their application. The award is strictly based on merit.

What happens after I submit my application?

Your application is stored in a database and evaluated after the deadline. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted to take an online aptitude test. You must score at least 50 per cent to remain in consideration. Candidates who are not shortlisted will be notified at the end of the campaign.

Can 200-level students or above apply?

No. The scholarship is exclusively for 100-level students. Students in 200 level and above are not eligible and should not apply.