How to Ask Nigerian Lecturers or Supervisors for Strong Scholarship Reference Letters
To secure strong scholarship reference letters from Nigerian lecturers or supervisors, approach them in person or by phone first whenever possible, then follow up with a clear, respectful email that supplies a ready-to-use information pack, the exact submission method, and a realistic deadline. Give them at least four to six weeks, explain what the scholarship values, and make the letter easy to write on institutional letterhead if required. Most international programmes expect specific details about how the referee knows you and concrete examples of your abilities rather than generic praise.
Many Nigerian applicants need two or three referees. Lecturers and workplace supervisors are often unfamiliar with the detailed, comparative style common in UK, US or Commonwealth applications, and they may not realise that letters frequently have to be uploaded by the applicant or submitted online by a firm deadline. The steps below are written for that reality.
Choose referees who can write specifically, not just senior titles
Select people who have seen your work closely: your final-year project or thesis supervisor, a lecturer who taught you in more than one course and can recall specific contributions, a research mentor, or a workplace supervisor from an internship, NYSC, or employment. A generic letter from a Head of Department who barely knows you is weaker than a detailed letter from a lecturer who supervised your project.
According to the Chevening website, a referee should be someone who knows you in a professional or personal capacity, but not a friend or relative. You must provide the names and contact details of two referees in the application; if shortlisted for interview you upload the actual letters. Chevening References guidance
For Commonwealth Scholarships, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission states that candidates collect references on institution letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details and upload them themselves by the application deadline. Referees should comment on how long and in what capacity they have known the candidate, suitability for the proposed study, strengths and weaknesses, and potential to impact development in the home country. Confirm the exact requirements on the official CSC programme page for the year you are applying.
Timing that fits Nigerian university and workplace calendars
Ask at least six weeks before the earliest deadline, and longer if the request falls near exam periods, senate meetings, or the end of semester. Many lecturers supervise large numbers of students and respond more readily when given clear lead time.
- Six to eight weeks before: identify referees and make the first contact (in person or phone preferred).
- After they agree: send the full information pack by email the same day or next day.
- Three weeks before: polite reminder with the deadline restated.
- One week before: final reminder and, if the system uses a portal link, send that link again.
- After submission: short thank-you message. Later, update them on the outcome if you wish.
Do not assume a lecturer checks email daily. In many departments, WhatsApp or a brief office visit is the practical first step, followed by formal email so there is a written record.
How to make the first request (in person or WhatsApp)
When you meet the lecturer or supervisor, keep it short and respectful. State the scholarship, why you are asking them specifically, and ask whether they can write a strong letter. The word “strong” gives them room to decline if they cannot.
“Good afternoon, Sir/Ma. I am applying for the [Scholarship Name] to study [programme] in [country]. Because you supervised my [project / course / work], I would be grateful if you could write one of my reference letters. The letter needs to be ready by [date]. Would you be able to write a strong recommendation for me?”
“Good afternoon Sir/Ma, I hope you are well. I am applying for [Scholarship Name] and would like to request a reference letter from you because of the work we did on [specific project or course]. The deadline is [date]. Would you be able to support the application with a strong letter? I can send full details by email if you agree.”
If they agree, thank them and say you will send the details immediately.
The formal email and the information pack
Send a single, organised email that contains everything the referee needs. Nigerian lecturers often appreciate a ready pack because it reduces the time they must spend hunting for information.
Dear Professor / Dr [Surname],
Thank you for agreeing to write a reference letter for my application to the [Scholarship Name].
I am applying to pursue [degree and field] and believe your knowledge of my work on [specific project, course or role] will allow you to comment specifically on my [relevant skills: research ability, leadership, analytical work, etc.].
Key details:
• Scholarship: [full name and one-sentence description of what it values]
• Deadline for the letter: [exact date and time zone if relevant]
• How the letter should be submitted: [upload by me / online form / email to … / on institutional letterhead]
• Number of referees required: [2 or 3]
I have attached:
1. My current CV
2. A short summary of the scholarship and the qualities it seeks
3. Bullet points of work we did together that you may wish to mention
4. Draft personal statement (optional, for context)
5. Any official guidance for referees if available
Please let me know if you need any additional information. I am happy to collect a signed letter on departmental letterhead if that is required, or to send a portal link once it is available.
Thank you again for your support.
Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Department / Matric number if relevant]
[Phone number]
[Email]
Attach the documents as a single PDF pack where possible. Label files clearly: “CV_YourName.pdf”, “Scholarship_Brief_YourName.pdf”.
What many international programmes actually want in the letter
General advice is to help your referee move beyond “good student” language. Official guidance is more precise.
According to the Chevening website, reference letters should cover: how long the referee has known the applicant; in what capacity; when they last had regular contact; and a brief endorsement covering leadership and networking skills, personal, intellectual and interpersonal qualities, and ability to complete a demanding academic programme in the UK. Letters should be in English and addressed to the British embassy or high commission in the applicant’s country. Handwritten signatures are not required, but the embassy may contact referees for verification. Chevening References guidance and What should be included in my reference letters?
For Commonwealth Scholarships, referees are asked to comment fully on the applicant’s suitability, strengths and weaknesses, and potential to impact development in the home country. Letters should be on institution letterhead or an email that clearly shows the sender’s details, then uploaded by the applicant as PDF. Always verify the current year’s instructions on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission site.
When you brief your referee, include three to five concrete examples they witnessed: a project you led, a paper or presentation, how you handled a difficult task, or leadership in a group assignment. This gives them material for specific sentences instead of vague praise.
Letterhead, format and submission realities in Nigeria
Many Nigerian university departments still expect letters on official letterhead with a signature and stamp. Some scholarship portals accept a PDF of a signed letter on letterhead; others require the referee to complete an online form. Check the official scholarship instructions carefully and tell your referee exactly which method applies.
If the letter must be on letterhead:
- Offer to collect the signed original yourself and scan it to a clear PDF.
- Confirm whether a departmental stamp is expected.
- Keep a backup copy.
If the system sends a link directly to the referee, send the link as soon as it appears and confirm they received it. Do not assume the email reached them.
Common mistakes Nigerian applicants make
- Asking only by vague WhatsApp (“Sir please I need recommendation letter”) with no deadline, no scholarship name and no supporting documents.
- Choosing a high-ranking person who does not know their work well.
- Waiting until two weeks or less before the deadline.
- Failing to tell the referee whether the letter is needed on letterhead, by portal, or to be returned to the student.
- Not providing any examples or context, so the letter becomes generic.
- Forgetting to follow up politely when the deadline approaches.
- Not thanking the referee after the letter is submitted.
Follow-up and gratitude
A short reminder email or WhatsApp three weeks and one week before the deadline is normal and expected. Keep the tone polite and helpful: restating the deadline and offering any extra information is better than pressure.
After the letter is submitted, send a brief thank-you message. If you later learn the outcome of the application, a short update is appreciated and keeps the relationship open for future requests.