Florence Bamidele Makanjuola Scholarship 2026
Are you a female Nigerian student passionate about science, teaching, or healthcare? Do you need financial support to complete your education without a family burden? The Florence Bamidele Makanjuola Scholarship 2026 could be the life-changing opportunity you have been waiting for.
The 2026 FBM Scholarship Programme is now officially open for applications. Backed by the Opekete Foundation, this fully funded scholarship offers annual cash awards of up to ₦650,000 to deserving female students in public secondary schools and universities across Nigeria — with a focus on STEM, Nursing, and Education courses.
In this comprehensive guide, you will find everything you need to know about the FBM Scholarship 2026: who qualifies, how much you can receive, the academic requirements, and how to apply before the deadline.
What Is the Florence Bamidele Makanjuola Scholarship 2026?
The Florence Bamidele Makanjuola Scholarship is a prestigious educational grant established in honour of Mrs Florence Bamidele Makanjuola (1921–2021), a remarkable Nigerian woman whose life embodied dedication to family, education, and community service.
Powered by the Opekete Foundation, this scholarship initiative was created with a clear mission: to improve access to quality education and healthcare for women and young Nigerians — especially those who face financial barriers to academic success.
The FBM Scholarship targets female students who have demonstrated academic excellence and who are pursuing careers in fields that directly uplift Nigerian society. Rather than offering a one-time token, the scholarship provides sustained annual financial support to help recipients focus on their studies without the stress of school fees and other academic expenses.
FBM Scholarship 2026 — Key Benefits at a Glance
One of the most compelling reasons to apply for the FBM Scholarship is the substantial annual financial award. Here is a breakdown of what successful applicants stand to receive:
| Student Category | Annual Award |
| Secondary School Students | ₦350,000 per year |
| University Undergraduate Students | ₦650,000 per year |
These are annual awards — meaning successful scholars receive the money every year throughout the duration of their programme, not just once. For a student in a four-year university programme, this could translate to a total support of ₦2,600,000 or more over the course of their degree.
Beyond the financial award, being an FBM Scholar adds prestige to your academic profile and connects you to a growing network of motivated Nigerian women in STEM, healthcare, and education.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for the FBM Scholarship 2026?
The FBM Scholarship has clear eligibility criteria. Before you apply, make sure you meet all the requirements listed below:
General Eligibility (All Applicants)
- Must be a female Nigerian citizen
- Must be admitted or currently enrolled in a public (government-owned) secondary school or university
- Must be studying or intending to study a course in one of the following areas:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Teaching / Education
- Nursing
- Must attend a federal or government-owned institution
For Secondary School Applicants
If you are currently in a public secondary school, you must have achieved:
- A minimum of 5 distinctions (A or B grades) in your Junior WAEC results
- The distinctions must include English Language and Mathematics
- Plus any other 3 core subjects
For University Applicants
If you are a university student (or about to be admitted), you must have:
- A minimum of 5 distinctions (A1 to B3) in WAEC or NECO — obtained in one sitting
- The distinctions must include English Language and Mathematics
- Plus three other relevant subjects related to your chosen field of study
- You must also meet the JAMB cut-off mark for your chosen institution and course
Note: Private school students are NOT eligible. The scholarship is strictly for students in federal or state government-owned institutions.
Courses That Qualify for the FBM Scholarship 2026
The FBM Scholarship is designed for female students who are building careers in fields that directly serve Nigerian communities. The eligible course categories include:
STEM-Related Courses
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics courses are among the most in-demand globally and have some of the lowest female representation in Nigeria. Eligible STEM courses include (but may not be limited to): Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering (all fields), Agricultural Science, Statistics, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, Microbiology, and related disciplines.
Teaching and Education Courses
Nigeria faces a significant teacher shortage, and the FBM Scholarship recognises the critical role of educators in national development. Education courses such as Education/Mathematics, Education/Chemistry, Education/Biology, Early Childhood Education, Guidance and Counselling, and related degree programmes are eligible.
Nursing
Nursing and other healthcare-related programmes that contribute directly to improving healthcare access for Nigerians are also covered by this scholarship. If you are studying or planning to study Nursing Science or Community Health, you could qualify.
FBM Scholarship 2026 Application Timeline
| 🟢 Application Opens: May 1, 2026 🔴 Application Deadline: May 22, 2026 ⚠️ URGENT: You have very limited time — apply TODAY! |
The application window is very narrow. The deadline is May 22, 2026, which means you must complete and submit your application immediately. Do not wait for the last minute, as technical issues or incomplete documents could disqualify you.
How to Apply for the FBM Scholarship 2026 — Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a clear breakdown of how to apply successfully:
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before you visit the application portal, carefully re-read the eligibility criteria above. Make sure you are a female Nigerian citizen enrolled in or admitted to a public secondary school or university, and that your course falls under STEM, Nursing, or Education.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
While exact document requirements will be listed on the portal, you should have the following ready:
- WAEC/NECO/Junior WAEC result slip showing your grades
- JAMB result (for university applicants)
- School admission letter or student ID
- Valid means of identification (National ID, Birth Certificate, or NIN)
- Passport photograph
- Any other supporting documents the portal may request
Step 3: Visit the Official Application Portal
Go to the official FBM Scholarship application link: https://opeketefoundation.org/apply
Step 4: Fill the Application Form Carefully
Complete all sections of the application form with accurate information. Double-check your name, school name, course of study, and contact details before submitting.
Step 5: Submit before May 22, 2026
Submit your application well before the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered. After submitting, take a screenshot or save your confirmation for future reference.
About the Opekete Foundation
The Opekete Foundation is the organisation behind the FBM Scholarship Programme. The Foundation is committed to providing financial assistance and academic support to brilliant young Nigerians, with a particular focus on women and young people who lack the resources to access quality education.
By investing in female students in STEM, Nursing, and Education, the Opekete Foundation is helping to close the gender gap in Nigerian higher education while simultaneously building the workforce Nigeria needs to achieve its development goals.
The FBM Scholarship is named after Mrs Florence Bamidele Makanjuola (1921–2021), whose century-long life was marked by resilience, service, and love for family and community. This scholarship is her enduring legacy — one that continues to open doors for Nigerian women long after her passing.
Why This Scholarship Matters for Nigerian Female Students
Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world, with millions of young people competing for limited educational funding every year. For female students from modest backgrounds, financial constraints often force them to drop out or forgo university education entirely.
The FBM Scholarship directly addresses this challenge by providing a reliable annual income specifically for female students in critical fields. Here is why this matters:
- STEM has some of the lowest female representation in Nigerian universities. Scholarships like FBM help bridge this gender gap.
- Nursing and healthcare remain underfunded yet critical to Nigeria’s health system, and trained nurses are in constant demand.
- Education as a field suffers from low intake of top-performing students. Incentivising brilliant women to become teachers is a national investment.
- Annual funding (not one-off) provides stability and allows scholars to plan their academic journey.
Tips to Strengthen Your FBM Scholarship Application
Here are a few practical tips to maximise your chances of success:
- Apply early. The deadline is May 22, 2026, and there may be limited spots. Early applications show commitment.
- Ensure your grades meet the minimum. 5 distinctions, including English and Mathematics, are non-negotiable.
- Attend a government institution. Private school students are not eligible — confirm your school’s status before applying.
- Check your JAMB score if you are a university applicant. You must meet the cut-off for your institution and course.
- Provide accurate information. Misrepresentation can lead to disqualification even after selection.
- Share the opportunity with eligible friends and family. Help another woman access education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the FBM Scholarship 2026
Q: Is the FBM Scholarship available to students in all states in Nigeria?
Yes, the scholarship is open to female Nigerian citizens enrolled in public secondary schools or universities across Nigeria, irrespective of state of origin.
Q: Can I apply if I attend a private university?
No. The scholarship is strictly for students in federal or government-owned (public) institutions. Private university students are not eligible.
Q: Is the scholarship renewable every year?
The scholarship offers annual awards, which implies renewable support. However, check the official portal and communication from the Opekete Foundation for specific renewal conditions.
Q: What happens after I submit my application?
The Opekete Foundation will contact shortlisted candidates with further instructions. Ensure the contact details you provide on your application are accurate and active.
Q: Is there an application fee?
Legitimate scholarships do not charge application fees. The FBM Scholarship application should be available at no charge. Be cautious of fraudulent sites or individuals claiming to charge processing fees on behalf of the Foundation.
Q: Can a student studying Agriculture apply?
Agricultural Science is generally considered a STEM-related field. However, confirm the specific list of eligible courses on the official portal at https://opeketefoundation.org/apply.
Final Words: Apply for the FBM Scholarship Before It Is Too Late
The Florence Bamidele Makanjuola Scholarship 2026 is one of the few scholarships in Nigeria that offers substantial annual financial support specifically for female students in STEM, Nursing, and Education. With awards ranging from ₦350,000 to ₦650,000 per year, this scholarship can genuinely transform the academic journey of every recipient.
If you are a qualified female Nigerian student in a public institution — or if you know someone who is — do not let this opportunity pass. Apply today, before the May 22, 2026, deadline.
| 🎓 APPLY NOW → https://opeketefoundation.org/apply Deadline: May 22, 2026 | Annual Award: Up to ₦650,000 Open to: Female Nigerian students in STEM, Nursing & Education | Public Institutions Only |
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