Computer Science students in Nigeria have access to scholarship opportunities that go beyond ordinary tuition assistance.
Some technology scholarships now combine school fees with accommodation, living support, mentorship, technical training and entrepreneurship development.
One of the biggest course-specific opportunities announced in 2026 is the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation 1,000 Tech Scholarship.
The scholarship is designed specifically for talented Nigerian students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who want to build careers in technology.
Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation 1,000 Tech Scholarship 2026
The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation launched the 1,000 Tech Scholarship in partnership with Zinox Technologies, TD Africa, Task Systems and Konga.
The programme aims to identify and develop 1,000 academically talented but underserved Nigerian students studying technology-related courses.
According to the Foundation, the scholarship is available across Federal Universities, State Universities and Polytechnics, with the programme intended to have representation across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Courses Eligible for the Scholarship
The official Foundation page currently identifies two main courses:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
Students studying other technology courses should not automatically assume they qualify unless the current application portal specifically includes their programme.
Earlier media reports sometimes referred more broadly to technology-related disciplines, but the Foundation’s current eligibility page specifically names Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
For application purposes, students should follow the current official eligibility criteria rather than older announcements.
Who Can Apply?
According to the Foundation’s current scholarship criteria, applicants should meet the following conditions:
- Be a Nigerian citizen
- Be between 16 and 25 years old
- Have secured admission into an eligible Nigerian institution
- Be studying Computer Science or Computer Engineering
- Attend a Federal University, State University or Polytechnic
- Come from an economically disadvantaged background
- Meet the required academic standard
The programme gives priority to indigent students who have strong academic potential.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between:
16 and 25 years old.
Students outside this age range should check the latest application portal before applying in case the Foundation changes the rule in a future cycle.
Academic Requirements for University Students
The Foundation states that qualifying university students are expected to meet a 3.80 CGPA standard.
The current Foundation page also states that beneficiaries must maintain at least a 3.80 CGPA to retain their scholarship.
Students should therefore understand that receiving the scholarship does not guarantee funding for the rest of the programme regardless of academic performance.
Your results will continue to matter after selection.
How to Apply for Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation
Visit Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation portal : https://lsef.org/
Academic Requirements for Polytechnic Students
Polytechnic beneficiaries are expected to maintain at least Upper Credit performance.
This means the scholarship is not restricted to university students.
Eligible Computer Science or Computer Engineering students studying at Nigerian polytechnics may also qualify if they meet the other requirements.
Is the Scholarship Only for First-Year Students?
The Foundation’s current eligibility page states that applicants must have secured admission into an eligible institution and specifically refers to indigent first-year students meeting the required academic standard.
Students already beyond first year should therefore check the current application portal carefully before applying.
Do not assume that every academic level is automatically eligible.
If a future scholarship round changes the level requirement, the current portal should be treated as the authoritative source.
What Does the Leo Stan Ekeh Scholarship Cover?
This scholarship goes beyond a normal tuition award.
The Foundation lists several benefits.
Full Tuition Support
Selected scholars receive tuition support for their approved academic programme.
The Foundation describes the scholarship as providing full tuition coverage.
Accommodation
Accommodation is also included in the financial support package.
This is significant because accommodation costs can be a major part of university or polytechnic expenses.
Living Allowance
Beneficiaries are also expected to receive living support.
The Foundation lists a living allowance as part of the scholarship package.
The official page does not currently publish a fixed monthly amount.
Students should therefore be careful with blogs or social media posts quoting an exact stipend unless it is confirmed by the Foundation.
Laptop Support
The scholarship also includes a performance-based laptop benefit.
According to the Foundation, beneficiaries who achieve at least a 3.80 CGPA at the end of their first year can qualify for a brand-new laptop.
This means laptop support should not be described as an automatic benefit for every applicant.
It is tied to academic performance.
Technology Training
Scholars will receive additional training in emerging technologies and industry-relevant tools.
The purpose is to help students build practical skills alongside their academic degree.
This is particularly relevant for Computer Science students because employers often look beyond certificates and examine practical ability.
The scholarship is therefore designed to help beneficiaries develop skills that can be used in real technology environments.
Entrepreneurship Development
The Foundation also includes entrepreneurship training in the programme.
Its stated target is for about 30 percent of beneficiaries to emerge as entrepreneurs who can create economic impact.
Students interested in building software companies, digital businesses or technology products may therefore find this part of the scholarship especially useful.
Mentorship
Beneficiaries receive structured mentorship.
The Foundation states that mentorship will involve the Nigeria Computer Society and other development programmes.
Mentorship can help students understand career paths, industry expectations and professional development beyond the classroom.
Leadership and Employability Training
The programme uses what the Foundation describes as a 70:30 development model.
The structure places:
- 70 percent emphasis on technical excellence
- 30 percent emphasis on leadership, character and workplace readiness
Scholars will receive development in areas such as:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Professional etiquette
- Emotional intelligence
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Financial literacy
- Digital productivity
- Basic selling skills
These activities are intended to help beneficiaries become employable graduates and potential entrepreneurs.
Holiday Development Programme
The scholarship also includes a structured development programme during academic holidays.
The Foundation refers to this as a Finishing School and Leadership Development Programme.
Students may therefore be expected to participate in training activities outside their normal school calendar.
Applicants should understand that this is not simply a scholarship where money is paid and no further participation is required.
International Exposure
The Foundation says top-performing scholars may receive international exposure opportunities.
This benefit is performance-based and should not be interpreted as guaranteed foreign travel for every scholarship recipient.
Application Process
Applications for the 2026 programme were launched online.
When the programme went live, applicants were directed to visit Konga and select the 1,000 Tech Scholarship banner to access the application information and participation guidelines.
The application process generally involves:
- Accessing the official scholarship portal.
- Reading the current eligibility requirements.
- Creating or accessing the required application account.
- Entering personal details.
- Providing academic information.
- Providing institution and course information.
- Giving information about financial circumstances where required.
- Uploading supporting documents requested by the portal.
- Completing any academic or aptitude assessment.
- Attending an interview if shortlisted.
- Waiting for the independent selection committee’s decision.
Students should use only the application route linked by the Foundation or its official partners.
Selection Process
The Foundation publishes a multi-stage selection process.
It includes:
- Application submission
- Eligibility screening
- Academic and aptitude evaluation
- Interview
- Final selection by an independent committee
The Foundation states that final selection will focus strongly on excellence in core Computer Science-related subjects.
Applicants should therefore prepare for more than simply uploading documents.
Does the Scholarship Require an Aptitude Test?
The Foundation specifically lists academic and aptitude evaluation as part of its selection process.
Applicants should be prepared for questions that may test areas such as:
- Logical reasoning
- Mathematics
- Basic computing knowledge
- Problem-solving
- Technology awareness
The Foundation has not published a detailed public syllabus for the assessment on its main scholarship page.
Students should therefore avoid paying individuals who claim to have an “official leaked scholarship test.”
Does the Scholarship Require an Interview?
Yes.
An interview stage is listed as part of the selection process.
Shortlisted Computer Science students should be prepared to explain:
- Why they chose Computer Science
- Their academic performance
- Their financial circumstances
- Their interest in technology
- Projects they have worked on
- Problems they hope to solve with technology
- Their career plans
- Their leadership experience
A good answer should use real examples rather than general statements.
Documents Computer Science Students Should Prepare
The public scholarship page does not currently provide a complete downloadable document checklist.
However, applicants should keep documents that can verify the information in their application ready.
These may include:
- Admission letter
- Current school ID card
- Academic result or transcript
- JAMB admission evidence where applicable
- O’Level result
- Passport photograph
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Valid means of identification
- Evidence of Nigerian citizenship
- Evidence of institution and course of study
- Documents relating to financial circumstances where requested
- Active phone number
- Active email address
Polytechnic students should also keep their current academic result showing their performance level.
Applicants should follow the exact document requirements displayed on the current application portal.
Is Proof of Financial Need Required?
Financial background is important to this programme.
The Foundation describes the scholarship as targeting indigent and economically disadvantaged students.
Applicants may therefore be asked questions relating to their household or financial circumstances.
Do not exaggerate your situation.
Give accurate information that can be supported if verification is required.
What Should You Write About Your Interest in Technology?
If the application asks about your interest in Computer Science, avoid writing only:
“I love computers and want to become a programmer.”
Give examples.
You can mention:
- A website you built
- A mobile application
- A school project
- A programming course
- A coding competition
- A hackathon
- A GitHub repository
- A cybersecurity project
- A data analysis project
- An AI project
- A cloud computing project
- An open-source contribution
- A technology club
- A problem you solved using technology
You do not need to have built a large commercial product.
A small project that you genuinely created and can explain is better than claiming somebody else’s work.
Do You Need Programming Experience Before Applying?
The Foundation’s public eligibility requirements do not state that applicants must already be professional programmers.
Academic ability, financial circumstances and suitability for the programme are central considerations.
However, showing genuine interest in technology can strengthen your application.
Students can demonstrate this through school projects, online learning, coding practice, certifications or practical experiments.
Should You Have a GitHub Account?
A GitHub account is not listed as a compulsory eligibility requirement on the Foundation’s main scholarship page.
However, Computer Science students who already build projects can use GitHub to organize and demonstrate their work.
If the application provides space for supporting links, a clean portfolio may help show genuine technical interest.
Do not upload copied projects and claim them as your own.
Do You Need a Laptop Before Applying?
No laptop ownership requirement is listed among the current eligibility conditions.
In fact, the programme provides a pathway for qualifying high-performing beneficiaries to receive a laptop.
Students who currently learn through school laboratories, smartphones or shared computers should not assume that they are automatically disqualified.
Can Polytechnic Students Apply?
Yes.
The current Foundation page specifically states that the programme covers eligible students in Federal Universities, State Universities and Polytechnics.
Polytechnic students studying Computer Science or Computer Engineering should check the current portal and make sure they meet the academic and financial requirements.
Can Private University Students Apply?
The current scholarship criteria specifically identify:
- Federal Universities
- State Universities
- Polytechnics
Private universities are not listed on the Foundation’s current eligibility page.
Students in private universities should therefore not assume they are eligible unless the Foundation updates its rules.
Can HND Students Apply?
The Foundation accepts eligible polytechnic applicants and requires beneficiaries in polytechnics to maintain Upper Credit performance.
However, applicants should check the current form for the precise ND or HND levels accepted in the current intake.
Do not assume that every polytechnic level is automatically included.
Is Computer Engineering Eligible?
Yes.
Computer Engineering is specifically listed alongside Computer Science on the Foundation’s official scholarship page.
Are Cybersecurity, Software Engineering or Information Technology Students Eligible?
The current main Foundation eligibility page specifically names Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
Students studying Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Information Technology or related programmes should therefore check the current application portal rather than assuming eligibility based on older reports referring generally to technology-related courses.
Scholarship Deadline for 2026
The scholarship application portal was announced for launch on April 27, 2026, and reports later confirmed that applications were live in May 2026.
However, the Foundation’s current main scholarship page does not clearly publish a closing date.
Applicants should therefore avoid inventing or relying on unofficial deadlines.
If the official portal is still accepting submissions and you meet the conditions, apply as early as possible.
If applications have closed, monitor the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation directly for information about another intake.
How Long Does the Scholarship Last?
The programme is structured as continuing academic support rather than a one-time prize.
However, beneficiaries must maintain the Foundation’s academic and behavioral standards.
The Foundation monitors scholars through:
- Periodic academic reporting
- Academic performance standards
- Behavioral expectations
- Mandatory participation in mentorship
- Mandatory participation in development programmes
Failure to meet programme standards may lead to suspension or withdrawal of the scholarship.
What Can Make a Student Lose the Scholarship?
Receiving the scholarship does not remove future responsibilities.
The Foundation states that beneficiaries are expected to maintain academic and behavioral standards and participate in required development activities.
A scholar may therefore risk losing support if they consistently fail to meet programme requirements.
University beneficiaries should pay particular attention to the 3.80 CGPA retention requirement.
Polytechnic beneficiaries should maintain at least Upper Credit.
Is the Scholarship Bonded?
Earlier announcements about the scholarship stated that beneficiaries would not be bonded after graduation.
This means the programme was not presented as one requiring every scholar to work for the Foundation or one of the supporting companies after completing school.
Applicants should nevertheless read any current scholarship agreement carefully before accepting an award.
Is There an Application Fee?
The official Foundation scholarship information does not state that applicants must pay an application fee.
Students should be careful if anyone asks for money to:
- Obtain the form
- Guarantee selection
- Purchase an aptitude test
- Secure an interview
- Put their name on a shortlist
Use official Foundation and partner channels.
What Computer Science Students Should Do Before Applying
A strong Computer Science scholarship application should show more than academic results.
Prepare a simple record of your development.
This can include:
- Academic achievements
- Programming languages you are learning
- Completed projects
- Certifications
- Internships
- Hackathons
- Technology competitions
- Volunteer work
- Leadership roles
- Entrepreneurship activities
Do not simply list technologies.
Explain what you used them to do.
For example, instead of writing:
“Skills: Python, JavaScript, React.”
You could explain that you built a student attendance application, created a website for a local organization or used Python to analyse a dataset.
Evidence is more useful than a long list of skills.
Other Scholarships Computer Science Students Should Search For
Computer Science overlaps with many areas that receive separate scholarship and training funding.
Students should also monitor opportunities in:
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Data science
- Cybersecurity
- Software engineering
- Cloud computing
- DevOps
- Robotics
- Blockchain development
- Digital skills
- Technology entrepreneurship
A scholarship does not always need to contain “Computer Science” in its title to be relevant.
Always check its list of eligible courses.
How to Avoid Fake Tech Scholarships
Technology scholarships often spread quickly through WhatsApp, Telegram and social media.
Before submitting your details:
- Find the official sponsor
- Check the official website
- Confirm the course requirements
- Check the age requirement
- Confirm the institution requirements
- Verify the application link
- Never pay anyone to guarantee selection
- Never share your ATM PIN
- Never share your banking password
- Never provide an OTP to a scholarship agent
For the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation scholarship, applicants should rely on the Foundation and its officially named partners for current application information.
The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation 1,000 Tech Scholarship stands out because it combines education funding with technology training, mentorship, leadership development and entrepreneurship support.
For eligible Computer Science and Computer Engineering students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, the programme offers more than tuition support. It is designed to help scholars develop both the technical and professional skills needed to build careers in Nigeria’s technology sector.
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