SchoolRegistry, Nigeria’s free school directory, has opened applications for 2,000 free scholarship places on its SchoolRegistry Academy, valued at more than ₦373 million at regular course prices.

The scholarships are available to Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including secondary school leavers, students, job seekers and teachers.

The initiative offers two categories of scholarships: 1,000 digital skills scholarships valued at ₦113,000 each and 1,000 career track scholarships worth between ₦260,000 and ₦325,000 each.

The digital skills package covers self-paced courses in Computer Basics, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and practical artificial intelligence tools.

The career track scholarships provide free training in 10 entry-level fields: Virtual Assistant, Virtual Medical Administrative Support, Home Care and Caregiving, Customer Service and Call Centre, Social Media Management, Lead Generation and Appointment Setting, Tier-1 IT and Technical Support, Virtual Bookkeeping, Recruiting and HR Coordinator, and Truck and Freight Dispatcher.

According to SchoolRegistry, learners on the career tracks will have access to online coach feedback and 12 months to complete their training at their own pace.

All scholarship recipients will also receive free JAMB and WASSCE practice questions and mock examinations. Each course comes with a certificate upon completion.

The organisation said the scholarships were completely free, with no payment required for course materials, practice examinations or certificates.

Applications are open at https://schoolregistry.ng/academy/scholarships, while accepted applicants are scheduled to receive access in batches from Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Applicants can complete the courses using a phone or computer from anywhere in the country. The application process takes about two minutes, and schools can nominate students and teachers for the available places.

Applicants aged 15 to 17 must apply with the consent of a parent or guardian.

Speaking on the initiative, SchoolRegistry founder, Ayoola Jegede, said the scholarships were designed to help young Nigerians use the period after secondary school or graduation to acquire practical skills.

“Thousands of young Nigerians spend the months after secondary school, or after graduation, waiting for the next step,” Jegede said.

“Those months can build skills that matter at work. Someone who can use Excel, run a customer service queue or manage a business’s social media starts ahead. We want 2,000 young people and teachers to have that head start this year, at no cost.”

The organisation said scholars are expected to complete their first course or module within six weeks, share their certificates and submit a brief review. Those who meet the requirements will retain their full free access.

SchoolRegistry is a free online directory that helps parents find and compare schools across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT. Its services include a school fees calculator and a JAMB score calculator, while SchoolRegistry Academy provides online short courses and career training.