Applications are ongoing for the Africa Initiative For Governance (AIG) Scholarships For Nigerians and Ghanaians. Before you apply, please read the eligibility requirements and other very important information in the sections appearing further below.
The Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarship for 2026 likely targets Nigerian/Ghanaian public servants for Oxford University, requiring leadership, a strong degree, and 7+ years’ experience, with applications typically opening mid-year for the next cycle; while specific 2026 dates aren’t confirmed yet, you should monitor the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and Opportunities For Africans for announcements, as the pattern is similar to past years (e.g., 2024/2025 opened Aug 2023).
Every year, Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) will fund five scholarships for outstanding individuals from Nigeria and Ghana to pursue the Master of Public Policy degree at the Blavatnik School of Government (BSG), University of Oxford.
AIG Scholars will be expected, upon graduation, to return to their home country and apply their learning experience as change agents in their country’s public sector.
Scholarship Type:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate
The AIG Scholarships are full scholarships covering fees, accommodation and living expenses.
Eligible Countries:
For Nigerians and Ghanaians
Key Details (Based on Past Cycles)
Focus: Fully funded scholarships for Master’s programs at the University of Oxford (Blavatnik School of Government) for public sector leaders.
Eligibility (Typical): Nigerian or Ghanaian citizens, 25-45 years old, minimum 7 years’ work experience, Bachelor’s degree (2nd Class Upper or equivalent), demonstrating game-changing leadership.
Benefits: Full funding (tuition, living), mentorship, career development, summer placements.
Requirements for Africa Initiative For Governance (AIG) Scholarships:
- You must be a citizen of Nigeria or Ghana
- You must be between the ages of 25 and 35 years
- You must have achieved an academic standing sufficiently advanced to ensure admission to Oxford and the MPP programme. This means a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any discipline. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0
Selection Criteria:
- Academic and analytical excellence
- Strong commitment to public service
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities and resultant impact
- Impeccable moral character
Note that:
Applicants who reach the second stage of selection will be required to furnish the following additional information.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Full Academic Transcripts
- Academic and/or Professional References (four in total). Please note that at least two of the references must be from individuals whom you studied under at university. The references should be sent directly to AIG, and should attest to the character and intellect of the applicant, including academic, personal, extra-curricular and leadership achievements. (References should not be given by people who are related to the applicant.)
- Personal Essay (no more than 1500 words) covering the following:
- Why you are interested in public service and public policy; describe the specific issue(s) or problem(s) you care about, your thoughts on how this issue can be resolved and how the resolution of this issue could impact the economy as a whole.
- Why the AIG Scholarship and the MPP Programme at BSG-Oxford are important to you and how you would utilise this opportunity.
- The description of a personal challenge you have overcome or an achievement that you believe demonstrates your leadership potential, and the impact of that achievement.
- Two passport photographs
How Can You Apply for Africa Initiative For Governance (AIG) Scholarships?
- New applicants should click on the Start Application tab on the site menu and provide their basic information. On submission of your basic information, you will instantly receive an acknowledgement e-mail, from the portal containing a link that will enable you to continue the application process. You MUST click on the link (or copy and paste the URL into your browser) to continue the application. You will be automatically redirected to the application portal where you can continue and complete your application. Please note that you will not receive an e-mail if your e-mail address is incorrect, non-functional or has been deactivated as a result of inactivity for a long period of time. You should therefore, ensure that your e-mail account is active and open before you start your application.
- Returning applicants should click on the Continue Application tab on the site menu and log in with their email address and password.** If you have any complaints or encounter any challenges in the course of your application, Please send an email to helpdesk@aigafrica.org. Alternately, you may call the helpdesk on 07013472135, 08097178248 or send us a WhatsApp message via 07013472135.
Please note that:
- An AIG Scholarship is confirmed when a successful candidate has been offered a place by BSG for the MPP programme
- Only applicants selected for the second round of the AIG Scholarships selection process will be notified, and asked to provide further information
- Scholarship winners must be prepared to undertake to return to their country of origin and work in the public sector of that country for a minimum period of three years, and be willing to sign a Bond to that effect
Please note that you will be required to upload a passport photograph with a maximum size of 50 kb
Visit The Scholarship Website For More Information
Application Deadline:
Look for announcements for applications for the 2026 AIG Scholarships around July-August 2025 for the 2026 intake, as seen in past years.
For more Scholarships, go to campustimesng.com/category/scholarship/
