Education

Where Can Refugees Obtain Education Services in Nigeria?

Refugees, IDPs, returnees and asylum seekers can obtain education within the field locations or in urban settings. Primary education in Nigeria is subsidised for refugees, IDPs, returnees and nationals attending government schools. 

Early childhood to secondary education for refugees

Refugees, IDPs and returnees can attend schools located in their areas.

How to register in school in Nigeria?

Contact the Official Authority: Your first and most important step is to get in touch with the NCFRMI. They are the official body that can guide you through the correct process for your location and status.

Action: When you contact the NCFRMI, ask if there is a specific integration program operating in your state that your child is eligible for.

Prepare Necessary Information: It is always important to have your family’s identification and asylum-seeker or refugee documentation ready. NCFRMI can clarify exact requirements.

Is early childhood, primary and secondary education free in Nigeria?

Early childhood and primary education are subsidised for refugee children attending government-owned schools, while secondary day school education is subsidised in some states; in other states, students are required to pay fees.

Education is free in Nigeria, but pupils still need to buy their own uniforms, school bags, books, and other supplies, and pay boarding fees at boarding secondary schools.

UNHCR, through its partner, CARITAS, may provide vulnerable pupils attending public government schools with educational support to help them acquire school supplies.

Refugee, IDP, returnee, and asylum-seeker youths can access education locally or in cities. Nigeria subsidises primary and upper basic education for these groups in government schools. UNHCR partners can refer youths to organisations such as Save the Children, Inner City Mission, and UNICEF for assistance.

Tertiary Education

Tertiary education can be pursued at various colleges and Universities across the country. Relevant fees apply!

Can refugees get bursaries to study in colleges and Universities in Nigeria?

All scholarship information must be obtained from UNHCR, its partner offices, CARITAS, or its official websites.

Other Scholarship Opportunities for Refugees

UNHCR has a platform of scholarship opportunities for Refugees that helps you pursue advanced study, skills and professional development and find accredited higher education academic or scholarship programmes verified by UNHCR:

Access UNHCR’s Scholarship Opportunities for Refugees platform