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.

The Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships Programme is targeted at graduates between the ages of 25 and 35, some of whom may have work experience. The scholars will be exceptionally intelligent graduates who have excelled academically as well as in other areas of their lives.

Course level: Masters

Offered Annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: Nigeria and Ghana

To Be Taken At (Country): Blavatnik School of Government (BSG), University of Oxford, UK

Field of Study: Master of Public Policy

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Citizen of Nigeria or Ghana
  • Age between 25 and 35 years
  • 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
  • Strong commitment to public service and a willingness to commit to working for a fixed number of years in your country’s public sector
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities and resultant impact
  • Impeccable moral character

Selection Criteria:

  • Academic and analytical excellence
  • Strong commitment to public service
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities and resultant impact
  • Impeccable moral character

Number of Awards: 5

Value of Award: The AIG Scholarships are full scholarships covering fees, accommodation and living expenses.

Duration of Program: 1 year

Method of Application: New applicants should click on “Start Application” and provide their basic information.

Start Application

Applicants who reach the second stage of selection will be required to furnish the following additional information in the Program Webpage (See Link below)

Scholarship Application Deadline: 2nd October, 2017

Visit the Program Webpage for Details

Important Notes: Only applicants shortlisted for the next stage of the selection process will be contacted and any inquiries regarding individual application status are strictly prohibited. Applications sent via post or in person are also NOT acceptable.

  • 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