University of Nigeria PhD Research Assistantship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes15 Jul, 2026

The University of Nigeria PhD Research Assistantship is a funded research opportunity jointly offered by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The assistantship provides a monthly stipend for the duration of the appointment. Initially, appointments last for 12 months and may be renewed based on satisfactory performance and project requirements. In addition, participants receive extensive mentorship from experienced researchers at LSHTM and the University of Nigeria. They also gain opportunities for publication co-authorship, conference presentations, professional development activities, and involvement in major international research collaborations. Consequently, students develop both academic and practical research expertise.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the University of Nigeria PhD Research Assistantship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Demography, Health Policy, Medical Anthropology, Public Health, Sociology

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.0

Languages

Tests

Study Levels

Master's

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (3)

Result Date

Program Start

September 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount
Deadline15 Jul, 2026
LevelMaster's
InstitutionUniversity of Nigeria
CountryNigeria
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The University of Nigeria PhD Research Assistantship is a funded research opportunity jointly offered by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The assistantship forms part of an international research project titled “Not Enough and Too Many: Professional Personhood among Africa’s Paradoxically Surplus Health Workers.” The project investigates a major challenge facing healthcare systems across Africa: the coexistence of health workforce shortages in public health facilities alongside a growing number of trained but underemployed health professionals. Through multidisciplinary research, the project seeks to improve understanding of workforce dynamics and support stronger health systems across the continent.

Background and Purpose

Many African countries face persistent shortages of healthcare workers in government hospitals and health facilities. However, at the same time, many trained health professionals struggle to secure suitable employment opportunities. Therefore, this project explores the social, political, economic, and professional factors that contribute to this paradox.

The research adopts a mixed-methods approach and focuses on Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia. In addition, it examines how health workers experience professional identity, employment challenges, career opportunities, and healthcare system constraints. Researchers investigate the relationships between workforce policies, labor markets, professional aspirations, and healthcare delivery systems. As a result, the project contributes valuable evidence that can inform workforce planning, health policy development, and healthcare system strengthening across Africa.

University of Nigeria PhD Research Assistantship Benefits

The assistantship provides a monthly stipend for the duration of the appointment. Initially, appointments last for 12 months and may be renewed based on satisfactory performance and project requirements. In addition, participants receive extensive mentorship from experienced researchers at LSHTM and the University of Nigeria. They also gain opportunities for publication co-authorship, conference presentations, professional development activities, and involvement in major international research collaborations. Consequently, students develop both academic and practical research expertise.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should be enrolled in or eligible for a PhD program and possess a strong academic background in public health, medical anthropology, sociology, demography, health policy, development studies, health systems research, or related disciplines.

In addition, candidates should demonstrate strong research skills, analytical ability, and interest in health workforce issues. Experience with qualitative methods, quantitative methods, mixed-methods research, or data analysis will strengthen an application.

University of Nigeria PhD Research Assistantship Application Process

Applicants must submit the required application materials according to the instructions provided by the project team and participating institutions. Typically, candidates provide academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, recommendation letters, and supporting documents demonstrating their research experience and academic qualifications.

The selection committee evaluates candidates based on academic performance, research potential, methodological skills, and suitability for the project. Shortlisted applicants may also participate in interviews before final selection.

Opportunities for Scholars

This assistantship provides extensive training in advanced qualitative research, mixed-methods research, health systems analysis, workforce studies, policy analysis, and academic writing. Students support literature reviews, data collection, coding, analysis, stakeholder engagement, report writing, and dissemination activities.

Furthermore, participants collaborate with international researchers and gain experience working within multidisciplinary research teams. Consequently, graduates develop highly valuable skills that prepare them for careers in academia, public health research, health policy development, international organizations, government agencies, healthcare systems strengthening, and global health consulting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a PhD program in Medical Anthropology, Demography, Public Health, Health Policy, Health Systems, Development Studies, or a related field.

What personal qualities are expected?

Candidates should be able to work independently and collaboratively, possess strong organizational skills, maintain high ethical standards, and be available for fieldwork and project activities.

How should applications be submitted?

Applications should be submitted electronically as a single PDF document to [email protected] and [email protected].