UNILAG Commonwealth IRDC PhD Scholarship 2025 for Nigerians | Fully Funded + ₦300K Monthly Stipend
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is offering a prestigious fully funded PhD scholarship through the Commonwealth IRDC Scholarship 2025. This opportunity is open to passionate Nigerian scholars with a keen interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI), education, and research for social impact.
Funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Canada and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this scholarship is hosted by the Nigeria AI Lab (NAIL) under the UNILAG Department of Computer Science. The project is part of a broader initiative to develop AI-powered personalized learning assistants for underserved communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
If you’re a researcher looking to pursue a PhD with real-world impact, this could be the perfect opportunity.
UNILAG Commonwealth IRDC Scholarship 2025 Overview
- Host Institution: University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Program Type: Fully Funded PhD
- Eligible Nationality: Nigerians
- Field of Study: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Education Technology, and related fields
- Funding Partners: IDRC Canada & UK FCDO
- Monthly Stipend: ₦300,000
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition + accommodation + research & travel support
- IELTS Requirement: Not required
- Application Deadline: July 5, 2025
About the UNILAG IRDC AI PhD Scholarship
The UNILAG Commonwealth IRDC Scholarship aims to equip researchers with the tools and resources to revolutionize learning in low-connectivity environments. The core focus is to design AI-driven learning assistants that adapt to the needs of students in under-resourced schools across Africa.
Two fully funded PhD positions are available, and successful applicants will become part of a vibrant research network with access to local and international mentors, conferences, and publishing platforms.
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Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be Nigerian and eligible to pursue a PhD at UNILAG.
- Must be passionate about Artificial Intelligence, education, and creating positive social impact.
- Should have a strong academic background in Computer Science, Educational Technology, AI, Data Science, or related fields.
- Prior experience or interest in low-bandwidth tech solutions, e-learning systems, or edtech innovations will be an added advantage.
Benefits of the UNILAG Commonwealth IRDC PhD Scholarship
Successful candidates will enjoy a comprehensive funding package that includes:
- ₦300,000 monthly stipend, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses
- Research support and international conference travel sponsorship (where applicable)
- Academic mentorship from renowned scholars and research teams
- Opportunities to publish, collaborate, and contribute to cutting-edge AI research
- Access to UNILAG’s Nigeria AI Lab (NAIL) and international AI-for-education networks
Required Application Documents
To be considered for the UNILAG Commonwealth IRDC Scholarship 2025, applicants must submit the following documents via email:
- Updated CV
- Cover Letter explaining your motivation
- Research Statement (1–2 pages outlining your research interests and goals)
- Academic Transcripts
- Links to online profiles: Google Scholar, LinkedIn
- Details of 3 Academic Referees
How to Apply for the UNILAG Commonwealth IRDC Scholarship
Interested and qualified candidates should send all required documents via email to:
airol@unilag.edu.ng
Use a clear subject line like: Application for UNILAG IRDC PhD Scholarship 2025
For additional scholarship details and updates, you can check the official LinkedIn post here.
Deadline for Application
All applications must be submitted by July 5, 2025. Don’t wait till the last minute—early applications stand a better chance of being reviewed thoroughly.