The Governing Council and Management of Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre (Grooming Centre)—a prominent microfinance institution in Nigeria—is now accepting applications for the 2025 edition of its University Grant Scheme.
Now in its third cycle, the program is designed to foster academic research and contribute to the development of new knowledge in key areas that promote economic empowerment and social development.
The grants are awarded to students conducting research in fields such as microfinance, rural development, inclusive finance, social enterprise, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and women’s participation in the development process.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Grooming Centre University Grant, applicants must:
Be enrolled as an undergraduate or postgraduate student in a Nigerian tertiary institution (university or polytechnic) approved by NUC or NBTE.
Be conducting research in any of the following areas:
- Financial inclusion
- Microfinance
- Rural development
- Social enterprise
- MSMEs
- Technological innovation
- Women’s involvement in development
- Or other research aimed at poverty alleviation in Nigeria
- Ensure the research is relevant to Nigeria, practical, innovative, and capable of generating meaningful impact.
- Submit a written and signed recommendation from their project supervisor.
- Ensure the research exhibits originality, innovation, and is data-driven.
- There are no restrictions on age, gender, religion, or ethnicity.
Grant Benefits
- A total of ₦20 million will be distributed among selected applicants as follows:
- Undergraduate Students: ₦100,000 each (100 recipients)
- Postgraduate Students: ₦200,000 each (50 recipients)
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit:
A research concept note of 10–15 pages, including:
- Introduction
- Literature review
- Research methodology
- References
- A one-page personal profile
- A final soft copy of the completed research project (to be submitted upon completion). (Refer to the Abstract Guidelines for more details.)
Application Deadline: October 10, 2025
Click Here to Apply
