FULBRIGHT PROGRAM

The Fulbright Trans-Sahara Undergraduate Program

Application cycle 2009 – 2010 now open

Application Deadline is June 30, 2008

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria (Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos) is holding an open competition to nominate qualified Nigerian students for the 2009-2010 Fulbright Trans-Sahara Undergraduate Program.  The Program’s goals are to develop professional capacity in the primary and secondary educational sectors and to expose future teachers from disadvantaged backgrounds to American education and culture.

Successful candidates for this program will receive up to six month intensive English Language training prior to enrolling in the last two years of an undergraduate program leading to a bachelor of arts degree in education.  The targeted audience for this program is second year university students who intend to become teachers.  Candidates must have sufficient credits to transfer to the third year of an undergraduate program in the United States. 

Application form and recruitment guidelines can be accessed below:

http://nigeria.usembassy.gov or http://fulbrightonline.org

Selection Criteria:

• Candidates must be citizens or nationals of Nigeria.
• Candidates must be currently enrolled at a university or institution of higher education in Nigeria and will have completed two years of undergraduate study by June 2008.
• Candidates should have a high motivation and commitment to becoming primary or secondary teachers in Nigeria.
• Candidates should have outstanding academic records, references and preparation. A cumulative GPA of between 3.0 and 4.0 is desirable.
• Candidates must have a minimum official internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)score of 61.
• Candidates should have sufficient credits to transfer and be placed in a third year U.S. university undergraduate program.
• Candidates should have a desire to enhance mutual understanding between the U.S. and Nigeria as well as a high motivation to complete the program and return home within the authorized timeframe.
• Special consideration will be given to candidates with experience in community service, sports, clubs and other extra-curricular activities as well as those from the faculties of social science, sciences, mathematics, and technology.

All applications must be typewritten and accompanied by academic transcripts duly signed and sealed by the academic office of the candidate’s institution.  Completed applications and supporting documents should be addressed as follows:

Attention:  Cultural Affairs Officer, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive; Central District Area, Abuja, Nigeria or

Public Diplomacy Officer, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General; 2 Broad Street, Lagos, Nigeria.

• Other documents to be attached include diplomas, certificates, information page of Nigerian passport, three signed reference forms, and two passport photographs.
• Candidates must complete the essay portion of the application, addressing all the questions, including their objectives for wanting to participate in the program.  The importance of originality in the essay portion of the application is highly emphasized.  Candidates engaging in plagiarism will be disqualified.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Candidates who pass the initial documentation review will be contacted by July 25 to come for an interview.