Access to quality higher education remains one of the most persistent challenges facing young women in Nigeria, particularly those from lower-income families. Financial barriers, limited mentorship, and systemic inequalities continue to hold back thousands of brilliant Nigerian girls who have earned their place in university but struggle to stay. The She Soars Scholarship Nigeria, officially known as the Christopher Kolade Foundation (CKF) SHE Soars Scholarship Programme, is one of the most impactful local scholarship initiatives working directly to change this reality.

If you are a female student in Nigeria who graduated from a public secondary school and has recently gained admission into a Nigerian public university, this scholarship was designed specifically for you. It is not just a financial grant — it is a comprehensive support system that includes funding for tuition, textbooks, a monthly living stipend, and a mentorship program that connects scholars with accomplished Nigerian women in business and professional life.

In this detailed guide, you will find everything you need to know about the She Soars Scholarship Nigeria 2026 — the background of the foundation behind it, the full benefits package, eligibility criteria, documents required, step-by-step application instructions, tips to strengthen your application, and frequently asked questions from Nigerian students. Whether you are applying for the first time or looking to better understand what the scholarship involves, this is the most complete resource available.

What Is the She Soars Scholarship Nigeria?

The SHE Soars Scholarship Programme is a need-based financial sponsorship and mentorship program established by the Christopher Kolade Foundation (CKF), a non-profit organization based in Lagos, Nigeria. The program provides undergraduate scholarships to female graduates of Nigerian public secondary schools who have been admitted into Nigerian public universities.

The scholarship was launched in 2019 and began with five inaugural scholars — now referred to as SHE Soars Scholars. Since its inception, the program has grown steadily. As of the most recent reporting period, there are 26 SHE Soars Scholars studying across 14 universities throughout Nigeria in a wide range of disciplines including Medicine and Surgery, Mechatronics Engineering, Physiotherapy, Aeronautics and Astronautic Engineering, Agricultural Extension, Psychology, Law, and Accounting.

The program’s name is deeply intentional. “SHE Soars” reflects the Foundation’s belief that when a girl is given the right support — financial, academic, and emotional — she does not just survive; she soars. The scholarship is part of the broader SHE Initiative of the Christopher Kolade Foundation, which has been empowering Nigerian girls since 2016 through in-school leadership programs, technology workshops, and career development events.

About the Christopher Kolade Foundation (CKF)

To fully appreciate the significance of the SHE Soars Scholarship, it is important to understand the organization that created and sustains it.

The Christopher Kolade Foundation is a Nigerian non-profit organization founded in memory and honor of Dr. Christopher Kolade, one of Nigeria’s most distinguished statesmen, educators, and leaders. Dr. Kolade was born on December 28, 1932, and his career spanned education, broadcasting, business, and diplomacy over several decades. He served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2002 to 2007 and was a faculty member at the Lagos Business School, Pan-African University, where he taught corporate governance, leadership, and human resource management.

The Christopher Kolade Foundation is guided by Dr. Kolade’s enduring legacy of integrity, professional ethics, and a deep commitment to continuous learning. The Foundation focuses on education as its primary strategic initiative, with a particular emphasis on girl-child education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), ethical leadership, and the prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.

The Foundation’s registered address is 48, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, and it is led by its Board of Directors. CKF is a GlobalGiving-vetted organization, meaning it has passed independent vetting and meets international standards for non-profit transparency and accountability.

The Foundation’s work has touched over 2,000 girls through its various programs, including the SHE In-school clubs, the SHE Life and Leadership Skills curriculum, the SHE Science and Technology Fair, the SHE Advance Career Planning Conference, and the SHE Soars Scholarship Programme. Its mission is to build a Nigeria known for educational excellence, ethical leadership, and interfaith harmony.

The SHE Initiative: The Foundation Behind She Soars

The SHE Soars Scholarship did not emerge in isolation. It is the postsecondary component of the broader SHE Initiative, which the Christopher Kolade Foundation has operated since 2016 in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

The SHE Initiative operates primarily at the secondary school level and delivers in-school technology workshops, leadership training, and ethics education to girls from lower-income families in Lagos State. Through SHE In-school clubs, students receive up to 24 weeks of hands-on technology instruction and leadership programming across three school terms. The Initiative also organizes the annual SHE Science and Technology Fair, a girls-only STEM showcase that has featured speakers including the CEO of Siemens Nigeria and senior executives from Chevron Nigeria.

The SHE Advance Career Planning Conference targets recent secondary school graduates and provides them with career exploration workshops across fields such as Biological Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Information Technology, Financial Services, and Law. Over 230 students attended the first edition of the SHE Advance event in June 2019.

The SHE Soars Scholarship is therefore a natural continuation of the SHE Initiative — designed to ensure that the girls who have been empowered at the secondary school level are not stopped by financial barriers when they earn admission to university.

She Soars Scholarship Nigeria: Full Benefits and Package Details

One of the most important questions prospective applicants ask is: what exactly does the She Soars Scholarship cover? Here is a full breakdown of the scholarship package.

Scholarship Value

The SHE Soars Scholarship is valued at ₦300,000 per annum (three hundred thousand naira per year). This annual package is designed to cover three major categories of student needs:

• Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the university’s tuition fees for the academic year, ensuring that scholars do not have to worry about being unable to register for their courses due to unpaid tuition.
• Textbooks and Learning Materials: Funds are provided for the purchase of required textbooks, course materials, and academic resources that students need to succeed in their programs.
• Monthly Living Stipend: A modest monthly stipend is provided to help scholars cover basic living expenses such as accommodation, feeding, transportation, and personal needs while studying.

Scholarship Duration

The SHE Soars Scholarship is not a one-time award. It is renewable annually for the full duration of the undergraduate program, which ranges from 4 to 6 years depending on the course of study. This is one of the scholarship’s most important features — a scholar admitted in her first year can continue to receive funding through to graduation, as long as she meets the academic performance and conduct standards expected by the Christopher Kolade Foundation.

This multi-year commitment is significant because it addresses one of the biggest challenges with scholarship funding in Nigeria: many one-time grants are helpful in the first year but leave students financially stranded in subsequent years. SHE Soars is built to provide end-to-end support from admission to graduation.

Mentorship Component

Beyond the financial support, the SHE Soars Scholarship also provides each scholar with access to a mentorship relationship with successful Nigerian career women and business leaders. This is a defining feature that sets SHE Soars apart from many other need-based scholarships in Nigeria.

Each SHE Soars Scholar is matched with a mentor who guides her through the challenges of university life, helps her set career goals, and supports her personal development as a future leader. This mentorship is drawn from the Christopher Kolade Foundation’s extensive network of accomplished women in Nigerian professional life.

According to scholars who have benefited from the program, this mentorship component has been transformative. One scholar who studied Law at the University of Lagos shared that becoming part of the CKF family meant she was no longer navigating higher education alone — she had both the financial support and the human support of the Foundation throughout her academic journey.

Community and Network

Scholars who receive the SHE Soars Scholarship become part of the wider CKF community, referred to informally as the SHE Girls family. This community provides ongoing peer support, networking opportunities, and access to CKF’s programs and events throughout the scholar’s undergraduate years and beyond.

She Soars Scholarship Nigeria: Eligibility Requirements

The SHE Soars Scholarship has clear and straightforward eligibility requirements. Unlike many international scholarships that demand a long list of complex criteria, the She Soars Scholarship focuses on two fundamental conditions that define its target beneficiary.

1. Gender

The scholarship is exclusively for female students. This is not simply a formality — it is the core of the program’s mission. The Christopher Kolade Foundation established the SHE Soars Scholarship specifically to address the disproportionate barriers that Nigerian girls from lower-income families face in accessing and completing higher education.

2. Secondary School Background

Applicants must be female graduates of a Nigerian public secondary school. This requirement is central to the Foundation’s commitment to reaching girls who come from disadvantaged educational backgrounds. Students who attended private secondary schools are not eligible, as the scholarship is specifically designed to bridge the gap for girls from public school systems who may have had fewer academic resources but demonstrated exceptional potential.

3. University Admission

Applicants must have verifiable proof of admission into a Nigerian public university or public tertiary institution. The scholarship is for students who are enrolled in — or have been offered admission into an undergraduate degree program at a Nigerian public university. Admission letters, JAMB admission letters, or other official proof of admission are acceptable documentation.

Who Is the Ideal SHE Soars Applicant?

Based on the Foundation’s stated focus on need-based sponsorship, the ideal SHE Soars applicant is a young Nigerian woman who:

• Comes from a lower-income or financially disadvantaged family
• Has worked hard to earn admission into a public university despite financial and systemic challenges
• Is motivated to excel academically and become a leader in her field
• Graduated from a Nigerian public secondary school (such as a government secondary school, state-run school, or federal government college)
• Is in the early years of her undergraduate program (typically 100 or 200 level)

While the eligibility criteria state the minimum requirements, the selection process takes into account financial need, academic promise, and personal character — so applicants who clearly articulate their circumstances and aspirations in their applications have a stronger chance of being selected.

Required Documents for the She Soars Scholarship Application

While the Christopher Kolade Foundation’s application process is conducted online, applicants are expected to have certain documents ready before beginning the form. Based on the nature of the scholarship and standard requirements for similar programs, here are the documents typically needed:

• JAMB Admission Letter: Official proof of admission into a Nigerian public university.
• University Acceptance Letter or School ID: Confirming enrollment in the institution.
• WAEC or NECO Result: Secondary school leaving certificate confirming graduation from a public secondary school.
• Birth Certificate or Age Declaration: To verify the applicant’s age and identity.
• Passport Photograph: A recent clear passport-sized photograph.
• Letter of Financial Need or Personal Statement: A written account explaining the applicant’s financial situation, academic goals, and why she deserves the scholarship.
• Evidence of Parental/Guardian Income or Financial Status: Documents demonstrating the family’s financial need, such as a parent’s employment letter, tax records, or a sworn affidavit of indigence.
• School Result/Academic Transcript: Academic records from the first year or most recent semester at university (for students already enrolled).

All documents must be genuine and verifiable. Any attempt to falsify or misrepresent information in the application will result in immediate disqualification, and scholars found to have provided false information after receiving the award may face withdrawal of funding.

How to Apply for the She Soars Scholarship Nigeria: Step-by-Step Guide

The application process for the SHE Soars Scholarship is entirely online and is designed to be accessible to students with basic internet access. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before you begin filling out the application form, confirm that you meet all the eligibility requirements. You must be female, a graduate of a Nigerian public secondary school, and currently admitted or enrolled in a Nigerian public university. If you meet all three criteria, you can proceed with the application.

Step 2: Visit the Official CKF Website

Go to the Christopher Kolade Foundation’s official website at ckf.org.ng and navigate to the SHE Soars section. This is the only authorized source for the scholarship application. Be cautious of unofficial third-party websites that may redirect you to fraudulent forms or ask for payment  the CKF SHE Soars Scholarship application is completely free of charge.

Step 3: Access the Application Form

On the SHE Soars page of the CKF website, you will find a link to the current academic session’s online application form. The direct application link is also typically shared on CKF’s official social media pages on Instagram (@ckfnigeria) and other platforms. Click the link to access the application form.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form Carefully

Complete every section of the application form accurately and honestly. The form typically asks for your personal information (name, date of birth, state of origin, contact details), your secondary school information (name of school, year of graduation, WAEC/NECO result), your university information (name of university, department, course of study, level), your family’s financial background, and a personal statement or motivation essay explaining why you deserve the scholarship and what your academic and career goals are.

Take your time with the personal statement section. This is your opportunity to tell your story — your background, your challenges, your determination, and your vision for your future. The selection committee pays close attention to this section.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Attach all required supporting documents in the correct format (usually PDF or JPEG). Make sure all document scans are clear and legible. Blurry or incomplete documents may lead to your application being set aside.

Step 6: Review and Submit Your Application

Before hitting the submit button, review your entire application from the beginning. Check for spelling errors, incomplete sections, and ensure that all documents have been successfully attached. Once you are satisfied that everything is correct, submit the application through the online portal.

Step 7: Save Your Confirmation

After submitting, save or screenshot your application confirmation. If the system provides a reference number or confirmation email, keep it safe. This will be important if you need to follow up on your application status.

Step 8: Wait for Notification

The Christopher Kolade Foundation will contact shortlisted candidates after the application deadline passes. Candidates who are selected for the scholarship will be notified via email or phone call. If selected, you may be invited for an interview or further screening before the final award is confirmed.

She Soars Scholarship Deadline 2026

The SHE Soars Scholarship application opens and closes at specific dates each academic session. For the most recent cycle, the application for the 2024/2025 academic session closed on November 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM. An earlier cycle had closed on January 17, 2025, and another round opened with a deadline of July 31, 2025 — indicating that the Christopher Kolade Foundation runs multiple application windows within a single academic year to increase access for eligible students.

For the 2025/2026 and 2026 academic cycles, it is highly recommended that you monitor the official CKF website (ckf.org.ng) and their social media pages regularly for announcements on when the next application window opens. The Foundation has also worked with platforms like GlobalGiving to fundraise for additional scholars, which means new cohorts may be announced at different points in the year.

Early application is strongly encouraged. Based on previous cycles, applications that come in close to the deadline may not receive the same level of consideration as those submitted early. Submit your application as soon as the window opens.

Fields of Study Covered by She Soars Scholars

One of the most encouraging aspects of the SHE Soars Scholarship is that it is not restricted to any particular field of study. Current and past SHE Soars Scholars have studied across an impressively diverse range of disciplines, demonstrating that the Foundation values academic excellence regardless of course. Documented fields of study among current SHE Soars Scholars include:

• Medicine and Surgery
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Physiotherapy
• Aeronautics and Astronautic Engineering
• Agricultural Extension
• Psychology
• Law
• Accounting

This diversity reflects the Foundation’s broader mission to support Nigerian girls across all academic pathways — from STEM and healthcare to humanities and social sciences. Whether you are studying to become a doctor, an engineer, a lawyer, or an accountant, you are eligible to apply for the SHE Soars Scholarship as long as you meet the gender and school background criteria.

Universities Where She Soars Scholars Study

As of the most recent update from the Christopher Kolade Foundation, SHE Soars Scholars are currently enrolled across 14 universities in Nigeria. While the Foundation has not published a full list of these institutions, the scholarship is available to students at any Nigerian public university, which includes federal universities, state universities, and public polytechnics and colleges of education.

Examples of public universities in Nigeria where eligible students may be enrolled include the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Lagos State University (LASU), and all other state and federal government-owned tertiary institutions.

The scholarship is not limited to universities in Lagos or the South-West of Nigeria. Students from public universities in any geopolitical zone of the country are encouraged to apply.

Why the She Soars Scholarship Matters for Nigerian Women

Nigeria has one of the largest gender gaps in higher education access in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics and various education policy reports, young women from low-income families in Nigeria face a compounded set of challenges when it comes to accessing and completing higher education — including poverty, early marriage pressure, cultural barriers, insecurity, and inadequate academic support systems.

The SHE Soars Scholarship directly addresses these realities in several ways. First, by providing consistent annual funding of ₦300,000 — covering tuition, materials, and a monthly stipend — the scholarship removes the financial barrier that forces many young women to drop out of university or never enroll in the first place. Second, by specifically targeting graduates of public secondary schools, the program reaches girls from the socioeconomic backgrounds most affected by educational inequality, rather than supporting those who already come from relatively privileged circumstances.

Third, the mentorship component addresses the often overlooked dimension of support: access to role models and guidance. Many brilliant Nigerian girls from low-income communities have never had close interactions with successful professional women. The mentorship program changes this, giving SHE Soars Scholars direct access to accomplished women who can help them navigate university life and plan their careers with confidence and clarity.

As Mrs. Beatrice Kolade, Chair of the Christopher Kolade Foundation, once explained: girl child education is deeply personal to the Foundation’s leadership. The Foundation was built on the conviction that no girl should be denied the opportunity to reach her full potential because of the circumstances of her birth or the limitations of her family’s income.

She Soars Scholarship vs. Other Female Scholarships in Nigeria

It is worth comparing the SHE Soars Scholarship with other prominent female-focused scholarships available in Nigeria so that applicants can make informed decisions and apply to multiple programs simultaneously.

TKM Foundation Scholarship for Female Nigerian Students: This is a fully funded scholarship for female Nigerian students and covers a broader range of needs. It is another strong option for Nigerian women seeking undergraduate funding.

NWAG Scholarship (Nigerian Women Association of Georgia): This scholarship is offered by a diaspora organization for female undergraduates in Nigerian universities. It is open to female students and has a deadline that typically falls in April–May each year.

WAAW Foundation Scholarship: The Working to Advance African Women (WAAW) Foundation Scholarship specifically supports female college students in Africa pursuing STEM-related courses. It is valued at USD $500 and has a December deadline.

MTN Science and Technology Scholarship: While not exclusively female, this is open to 300-level students in public Nigerian universities studying science and technology-related courses. It is valued at ₦300,000 per year and provides an alternative or complementary funding source.

Unlike these programs, the SHE Soars Scholarship stands out for its multi-year commitment (renewable annually for 4–6 years), its mentorship integration, and its explicit focus on public secondary school graduates — making it uniquely targeted at the most underserved population of Nigerian female students.

Tips to Strengthen Your She Soars Scholarship Application

Be honest about your financial situation. The SHE Soars Scholarship is explicitly need-based. The selection committee is looking for candidates who genuinely need the support to access and complete their education. Do not downplay your financial difficulties — present them clearly and factually, with supporting documents where possible.

Write a compelling personal statement. Your personal statement is your most powerful tool. Tell your story in your own voice. Explain where you came from, what obstacles you have overcome, what you are studying and why, and what kind of impact you hope to have in Nigeria and the world. Scholarship committees respond to authenticity and clarity of purpose.

Mention your academic performance. While the scholarship is need-based rather than purely merit-based, demonstrating academic seriousness will strengthen your application. If you have strong WAEC results or good first-year grades, highlight them.

Apply early. Do not wait until the last day to submit your application. Submit as soon as the application window opens. Early submission signals commitment and gives you time to fix any technical or document issues that may arise.

Ensure your documents are clear and complete. A blurry scan of your WAEC result or an incomplete admission letter can derail an otherwise strong application. Take time to produce clean, legible scans of all your documents.

Use the correct application portal. Only apply through the official CKF website at ckf.org.ng. Be wary of websites that charge application fees or claim to guarantee scholarship placement — these are scams. The SHE Soars application is always free.

Follow CKF on social media. The Christopher Kolade Foundation regularly posts scholarship updates, announcements, and application reminders on their official Instagram page (@ckfnigeria) and other platforms. Following them ensures you never miss a deadline or an important announcement.

Final Thoughts: The She Soars Scholarship Is More Than Money

The She Soars Scholarship Nigeria is one of the most meaningful scholarship opportunities available to young Nigerian women today. At a time when many philanthropic scholarships offer one-time, short-term grants, the Christopher Kolade Foundation has built something far more powerful: a multi-year commitment to each scholar’s academic journey, paired with mentorship and community that extend beyond the financial support.

For a young woman who graduated from a public secondary school in Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Ondo, or Anambra, who passed her WAEC exams and earned her JAMB admission into a public university, but whose family simply cannot afford to keep her in school — the SHE Soars Scholarship could be the difference between a fulfilled academic career and an abandoned dream.

The Foundation has already proven, with its 26 active scholars across 14 universities, that the investment works. These are real women studying medicine, engineering, law, and science — women who will one day be the professionals, leaders, and role models that the next generation of Nigerian girls will look up to.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, do not hesitate. Visit ckf.org.ng, follow the Foundation on social media for the latest deadline updates, prepare your documents, write your story honestly and with pride, and submit your application as soon as the next window opens.

You have already done the hard work of earning your university admission. Let the SHE Soars Scholarship help you soar the rest of the way.