FY26 EducationUSA Nigeria Advising

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Mission to Nigeria Public Diplomacy Section, has announced a funding opportunity to support the implementation of the EducationUSA Nigeria Advising Program. This initiative is designed to expand access to U.S. higher education for qualified Nigerian students while strengthening advising services that promote informed and lawful study in the United States. The program aligns with U.S. foreign policy priorities by fostering educational exchange, strengthening institutional partnerships, and cultivating future leaders who will contribute to economic cooperation and innovation in critical sectors such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to reduce financial and informational barriers that prevent high-achieving Nigerian students from pursuing higher education in the United States. The program includes two major components: the Opportunity Funds Program, which provides financial support for upfront application-related expenses such as standardized testing, application fees, visa processing, and travel; and the enhancement of four EducationUSA advising centers that provide accurate, data-driven guidance to prospective students. These advising centers play a critical role in ensuring applicants understand U.S. academic systems, visa requirements, and legal responsibilities. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement, with substantial involvement from the U.S. Mission Nigeria throughout the implementation process. The total program funding is $168,200, with individual awards ranging from $67,500 to $100,700. The performance period is expected to last between 12 and 18 months. Funds may be used for personnel, travel, advising center operations, student support costs, and program administration, but may not be used for construction, direct social services, or partisan or religious activities. Cost sharing is not required for this opportunity. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and public international organizations with demonstrated capacity to implement nationwide advising programs. Applicants must show experience managing similar initiatives and the ability to coordinate complex recruitment and advising processes. Organizations must also maintain a valid registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. For-profit entities are not eligible, although subcontracting with other organizations is permitted under defined roles. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms, including SF-424 and SF-424A, along with a detailed proposal of up to ten pages. The proposal must include a program summary, organizational background, problem statement, implementation plan, monitoring and evaluation framework, timeline, and sustainability strategy. Applicants must also submit a detailed budget and justification, resumes of key personnel, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status. A structured recruitment strategy for identifying high-performing students in priority fields is also required. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including the quality and feasibility of the program design, organizational capacity, alignment with U.S. policy priorities, budget justification, and the strength of monitoring and evaluation plans. The review process includes technical screening followed by panel evaluation, with final decisions typically communicated within 120 days after the application deadline. The anticipated project start date is July 2026, and selected applicants may be eligible for continuation funding based on performance and availability of funds. The application deadline is July 3, 2026. Applications must be submitted either through Grants.gov or via email to the designated grants team. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the Lagos Public Affairs Section Grants Team by phone or email. This opportunity represents a strategic investment in educational exchange, workforce development, and international collaboration between the United States and Nigeria.

Align program design with US foreign policy priorities emphasize measurable outcomes and strong monitoring and evaluation demonstrate organizational capacity and detailed budgeting