Augustine Udefa Foundation Launches Speaking Scholarship for African Students: Full Fees, Cash Prizes Up for Grabs

A new scholarship programme is opening doors for young African students who can think fast, speak boldly, and uphold strong values. The Augustine Udefa Speaking Scholarship, created by the Augustine Udefa Foundation, is set to reward outstanding public speakers with full tuition support and cash prizes — and participation begins with a continent-wide speaking competition in 2026.

Designed to empower brilliant students struggling with financial need, the scholarship targets young scholars who want to use their voice to shape ideas, inspire change, and promote good character.

A Scholarship Rooted in Voice, Values, and Vision

The Augustine Udefa Speaking Scholarship supports students across all fields of study who demonstrate exceptional public speaking talent, sharp reasoning, and moral integrity.

Winners are selected through a multi-stage speaking contest judged by experts and the general public. The top performer receives full school fee support for their entire programme and a ₦100,000 cash prize, with additional awards for second and third positions.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be enrolled in a public university, polytechnic, monotechnic, or college of education in any African country.
Be in 100 or 200 level. Students in 300 or 400 level may apply only if they prove clear financial hardship.
Demonstrate good moral conduct.
Submit all required documents via the online application portal, including:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Admission letter
- Attestation letter from their HOD confirming good conduct, signed on official letterhead

Scholarship Benefits

Award Structure

Winner: Full school fees for entire programme + ₦100,000 cash prize
Second Position: Full school fees for one session + ₦50,000 cash prize
Third Position: Full school fees for one session

Renewal Requirements (For Top Winner)

To maintain the scholarship:

Maintain CGPA of at least 3.5/5.0 or 2.5/4.0
Present an HOD letter confirming current CGPA and progress
Provide two attestation letters from academic referees verifying good conduct

Grounds for Termination

The scholarship may be withdrawn if:

The student fails to maintain the minimum CGPA
The student is suspended or rusticated
The student posts or promotes content involving nudity or sexual immorality

How to Apply

Interested applicants must fill out the online form on the Augustine Udefa Foundation speaking scholarship application page.

Cover letter
CV
Admission letter
Attestation letter from HOD

All documents must be clear, complete, and readable.

Speaking Competition Begins January 2026

Shortlisted students will enter a speaking competition starting January 2026. Participants will submit a 3-minute, clear-quality video presenting their views on an assigned topic.

Videos will be uploaded across official platforms, including:

The public will vote online while judges score each speaker.

Competition Format: Three Stages

Stage 1: Group Stage

Speakers grouped and paired for one-on-one matches
Each win earns 3 points
Highest-scoring speaker from each group proceeds

Stage 2: Semi-finals

Group winners compete
Top two speakers advance to finals
Third-highest scorer takes overall third position

Stage 3: Final

Finalists compete for the top award
Winner receives the full scholarship + ₦100,000
Runner-up receives one session of fee support + ₦50,000
Third position receives one session of fee support

Scoring System

Each presentation is evaluated using:

70%: Expert judges’ score
30%: Public votes

The combined total determines who advances — and ultimately, who wins.

A Chance to Transform Lives Through Public Speaking

With financial barriers removed and a platform to showcase real intellectual skill, the Augustine Udefa Speaking Scholarship stands ready to spotlight Africa’s next generation of powerful communicators and ethical leaders.

Augustine Udefa Foundation Launches Speaking Scholarship for African Students: Full Fees, Cash Prizes Up for Grabs

A Scholarship Rooted in Voice, Values, and Vision

Eligibility: Who Can Apply?