Studentship Agreement Template for Nigeria

A Studentship Agreement sets out the terms between a Nigerian university or research institution and a student receiving funding for postgraduate studies. It covers the financial support package, research obligations, and academic requirements the student must meet while pursuing their degree.

These agreements protect both parties by clearly spelling out key details like stipend amounts, project timelines, and intellectual property rights. Under Nigerian education regulations, they're especially important for students receiving government scholarships or institutional grants, as they establish accountability for public funds and research outcomes.

Use a Studentship Agreement when offering funded postgraduate positions at Nigerian universities and research institutions. This becomes essential right after selecting candidates for Masters or PhD programs, especially those involving research grants, teaching duties, or government scholarships.

The timing matters most before the student begins their program - ideally during the admission process. Nigerian education regulations require clear documentation of funding terms and research obligations. Having this agreement in place protects your institution from disputes over stipend payments, intellectual property rights, and completion deadlines while giving students clarity about their responsibilities.

• Basic Research Studentship: Covers standard postgraduate research positions with basic stipend and academic requirements. Common in Nigerian federal universities.
• Teaching Assistantship Agreement: Includes additional teaching duties and compensation alongside research work.
• Industry-Sponsored Agreement: Used when private companies fund student research, with specific IP rights and confidentiality terms.
• Government Scholarship Agreement: Tailored for TETFund and other federal scholarship schemes, with public service obligations.
• Joint Institution Agreement: For students working across multiple Nigerian institutions or international collaborations.

• Universities/Research Institutions: Draft and issue the agreements, manage funding, and oversee research progress
• Postgraduate Students: Primary beneficiaries who receive funding and agree to research obligations
• Academic Supervisors: Monitor student progress and ensure research meets institutional standards
• Legal Department: Reviews and updates agreement terms to comply with Nigerian education laws
• Funding Bodies: Government agencies like TETFund or private sponsors who provide financial support
• Department Heads: Approve agreements and ensure alignment with departmental research goals

• Student Details: Gather full name, registration number, program type, and duration of study
• Funding Information: Document stipend amount, payment schedule, and funding source details
• Research Scope: Define project objectives, deliverables, and supervision arrangements
• Academic Requirements: List specific coursework, teaching duties, and progress milestones
• IP Rights: Clarify ownership of research outputs and publication rights
• Compliance Check: Ensure alignment with Nigerian university regulations and funding body requirements
• Review Process: Have relevant department heads and legal team verify agreement terms

• Parties' Details: Full legal names of student and institution, with registration numbers
• Program Specifics: Degree type, duration, department, and research focus area
• Financial Terms: Stipend amount, payment schedule, and funding source details
• Academic Obligations: Research requirements, progress reviews, and completion timeline
• Intellectual Property: Rights assignment and publication permissions
• Termination Clauses: Conditions for ending the agreement and consequences
• Governing Law: Nigerian education regulations and institutional policies
• Signatures: Student, supervisor, and authorized institution representative

A Studentship Agreement differs significantly from an Accountability Agreement in several key aspects, though both deal with performance expectations and responsibilities.

• Purpose and Scope: Studentship Agreements specifically govern funded postgraduate research positions, while Accountability Agreements cover broader professional obligations and performance metrics
• Duration: Studentship terms align with academic programs (typically 2-4 years), whereas Accountability Agreements often follow fiscal or calendar year cycles
• Legal Framework: Studentship Agreements fall under Nigerian educational regulations and institutional policies, while Accountability Agreements operate within corporate or public sector governance structures
• Key Components: Studentship focuses on research objectives, stipends, and academic milestones; Accountability emphasizes targets, reporting structures, and performance measures
• Parties Involved: Studentship involves students and academic institutions; Accountability typically involves employees, departments, or organizational units