Guide to Writing a Cover Letter for Internship Applications

You’re a student in Nigeria. You're smart, you're driven, and you're navigating one of the toughest academic and professional landscapes in the world. Between ASUU strikes, a hyper-competitive job market, and the constant pressure to get “experience,” landing a good internship feels less like a step and more like a giant leap.

You've found an internship opening—maybe at a top bank in Lagos, a tech startup in Yaba, an NGO in Abuja, or it's time for your mandatory Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) placement. You’ve polished your CV, highlighting your 2:1 or First Class CGPA. But then you see it: “Upload Cover Letter.”

A cold sweat. What do you even write in a cover letter for an internship when you have no “real” experience? Do Nigerian employers even read them? Isn't it just a formality?

Let me be clear: Your internship cover letter is not a formality. It is your single greatest weapon.

In a sea of students with similar grades, your CV looks just like everyone else's. Your CV shows what you are (a 300-level student). Your cover letter shows who you are (a future-focused problem-solver, a passionate learner, a potential star employee).

Welcome to the most comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter for internship applications in Nigeria. This is not a 500-word blog post. This is a 4000-word deep dive, a complete toolkit. We will cover:

• Why your internship cover letter is your golden ticket.
• The perfect, modern format (and how to finally ditch “Dear Sir/Ma”).
• The “No Experience” Persuasion Model: How to sell your potential.
• Full templates for SIWES, NYSC, unsolicited applications, and more.
• The “Naija Factor”: Common, costly mistakes Nigerian students make (like the “begging” tone).

By the time you finish this guide, you will be able to write an internship cover letter that doesn't just get read—it gets you the interview.

Why Your Internship Cover Letter is Your Golden Ticket (Not Just a Formality)

First, let's kill a very lazy myth: “Omo, nobody reads cover letters. Just submit your CV.”

This is dangerously wrong. A bad cover letter gets ignored. A great one is often the deciding factor. For an internship application, it's more critical than your CV. Here’s why.

1. It’s Your Only Chance to Show Personality

Think about it. Your CV is a dry list of facts: “University of Lagos,” “B.Sc. Computer Science,” “2021-Present.” So is every other applicant's CV. It has no personality.

Your cover letter is your voice. It’s your chance to connect with the human being on the other side of the screen. It’s where you show your passion, your enthusiasm, and your drive. These are things you can't list on a CV.

2. It Proves You Can Actually Communicate

In the Nigerian workplace, communication skills (both written and verbal) are non-negotiable. Your cover letter is your very first test.

• Is it full of typos? REJECTED.
• Is it one giant, unreadable block of text? REJECTED.
• Is it clear, concise, and professional? You’ve passed the first test.

You are proving your soft skills before you even step into an interview.

3. It Answers the “So What?” Question

Your CV says you are a 300-level student. The recruiter’s first thought is, “So what?”

Your cover letter answers this.

• CV: “Group Project, CSC 301”
• Cover Letter: “In my CSC 301 group project, I took the initiative to learn and implement the React frontend for our team's ‘Campus Marketplace' app, coordinating with three other students to integrate the backend. This shows my ability to learn new technologies quickly and collaborate in a team.”

See? You just translated “boring fact” into “valuable skill.”

4. It Shows “Seriousness” (The Nigerian Factor)

In our culture, we value “seriousness” and “home training.” Sending a well-thought-out, professional application shows respect for the process, the company, and the recruiter's time. It signals that you are not just mass-applying to 100 places (even if you are). You took this one application seriously. It’s the digital equivalent of a firm handshake.

The Core Anatomy: The Perfect Format for a Nigerian Internship Cover Letter

Before you write a single word of persuasion, you need the right container. A professional format makes your letter easy to read and shows you understand business etiquette. This is the universally accepted, modern, ATS-friendly format.

2.1 Your Contact Information (The Header)

This must be at the very top. Clean, professional, and correct.

• Full Name: (e.g., Adebayo T. Johnson)
• Your City, State: (e.g., Ikeja, Lagos). No need for your full street address.
• Phone Number: (e.g., +234 801 234 5678). Make sure it’s your main number and WhatsApp-enabled.
• Professional Email Address: Your career dies at hotboy_segun@yahoo.com. Get a professional email.
  • Good: adebayo.johnson@gmail.com
  • Bad: sexy_tola@hotmail.com, ogakpatakpata@gmail.com
• LinkedIn URL (Optional but Recommended): (e.g., linkedin.com/in/adebayojohnson). This shows you are a serious professional. If you don't have one, create one today.

Example Header:

Chiamaka Eze Abuja, FCT, Nigeria +234 909 876 5432 | chiamaka.eze@gmail.com | https://www.google.com/search?q=linkedin.com/in/chiamaka-eze

2.2 The Date

Use the full British format, which is the standard in Nigeria.

• Correct: 24th October 2025
• Incorrect (US): October 24, 2025
• Incorrect (Lazy): 24/10/25

2.3 The Employer's Information

This shows you're writing to a specific place, not just “a company.”

• The Hiring Manager's Name (if you can find it)
• Their Title (e.g., “Talent Acquisition Manager,” “Head of Engineering”)
• Company Name
• Company Address (City, State is fine, e.g., “Victoria Island, Lagos”)

Pro-Tip: How to Find the Hiring Manager's Name Don't be lazy. Take 10 minutes to search LinkedIn.

• Search for “Hiring Manager at [Company Name]”
• Search for “Head of [Department] at [Company Name]” (e.g., “Head of Audit at KPMG Nigeria”)
• Search for “Talent Acquisition at [Company Name]”

Finding a name makes your letter 10x more personal.

2.4 The Salutation: The Great “Dear Sir/Ma” Debate

This is a critical Nigerian cultural point. For decades, Dear Sir/Ma, was the go-to.

But in 2025, it is the weakest, laziest option.

It immediately signals that you are old-fashioned and didn't do the barest minimum of research. While most older Nigerian managers won't penalize you for it, a modern HR professional or a foreign-owned company (like Shell, Google, PwC) will.

Here are your alternatives, ranked from best to worst:

1. Gold Standard: Dear Mr. Adebayo, or Dear Ms. Eze,
   • This is the best. It's personal, respectful, and shows you did your homework. (Always use “Ms.” for a woman, as it's the professional standard and not based on marital status).
2. Silver Standard (The Safest Bet): Dear Hiring Manager,
   • This is the most common, professional, modern, and gender-neutral alternative. When you cannot find a name, use this. It is 100% acceptable.
3. Bronze Standard: Dear [Department] Team,
   • (e.g., “Dear Engineering Internship Committee,” or “Dear Human Resources Team,”). This is also good and shows you've at least targeted the right department.
4. The Last Resort: Dear Sir/Ma,
   • Only use this if you have tried everything and you feel “Dear Hiring Manager” is too cold for a very traditional, old-school Nigerian company. It's not a fatal error, but it's a missed opportunity to impress.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS: To Whom It May Concern, (too ancient) or Hi, (too informal).

2.5 The Subject Line (Your Title)

This is crucial for clarity. Make it bold and specific. The recruiter is viewing 300 emails. Help them.

Good Subject:

RE: APPLICATION FOR 2025 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP

Even Better (if they gave a Job ID):

RE: APPLICATION FOR 2025 GRADUATE TRAINEE INTERNSHIP (JOB ID: GTE-004)

For SIWES/IT (Very Important):

RE: APPLICATION FOR STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES) PLACEMENT

or

RE: APPLICATION FOR 300-LEVEL INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (IT) PLACEMENT (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING)

This subject line immediately tells them who you are and where to file your application.

The 3-Paragraph “No Experience” Persuasion Model

This is the core of the guide. How do you write the body of the letter when you have “no experience”?

You stop thinking about “experience” and start thinking about “potential,” “passion,” and “proof.”

Your goal is to show them you are a smart, motivated, fast-learning, and low-risk person to train. You do this in three simple, powerful paragraphs.

3.1 Paragraph 1: The Hook (Why You, Why Them, Why Now)

Your first paragraph must be sharp and direct. It answers three questions in 2-3 sentences:

1. What are you applying for?
2. Where did you find out about it? (or state your school's SIWES requirement).
3. Why are you a great fit? (This is your “thesis statement”).

Weak Intro (The one everyone writes):

“Dear Sir/Ma, I am writing to apply for the internship I saw advertised. I am a student of UNILAG. I am interested in your company and I think I will be a good fit. Please find my CV attached.” (Boring, generic, “I, I, I,” and tells them nothing.)

Strong Intro (The one that gets you the interview):

“Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to enthusiastically apply for the Finance Internship at [Company Name], which I found on your careers portal. As a 300-level Economics student at Obafemi Awolowo University with a passion for financial analysis and a proven aptitude for quantitative reasoning, I am eager to contribute to your team.” (This is specific, confident, and hooks the reader with “passion” and “proven aptitude.”)

3.2 Paragraph 2: The Proof (Selling Your Potential)

This is the most important paragraph. You have “no experience.” So what? You have proof of your potential.

Your “proof” comes from these four places:

1. Academic Projects:
2. Personal Projects:
3. Volunteer/Leadership Roles:
4. Relevant Coursework:

Your goal is to pick the Top 2-3 examples from your life that match the job description and showcase Transferable Skills.

What are Transferable Skills? They are the skills every employer in Nigeria wants:

• Communication: (e.g., writing reports, presenting in class)
• Teamwork/Collaboration: (e.g., any group project)
• Leadership/Initiative: (e.g., volunteering, starting a club)
• Research & Analysis: (e.g., a final-year project, a term paper)
• Problem-Solving: (e.g., a coding project, a case study)
• Fast Learner: (e.g., learning a new software for a project)

How to write this paragraph:

Weak Body (A list of duties):

“I am a hard worker and a team player. I am proficient in Microsoft Word. In my group project, I did my part and we got an A. I also have good communication skills.” (This is just a list of clichés. It proves nothing.)

Strong Body (Proof and Examples):

“The job description emphasizes a need for strong analytical skills and initiative. In my 200-level ‘Introduction to Statistics' course, I didn't just complete the assignments; I taught myself how to use Microsoft Excel's Pivot Tables to analyze a dataset of Lagos market prices, and my project was selected as the best in the class. Furthermore, as the Course Rep for my department, I am responsible for coordinating communication between 150 students and 10 lecturers, managing schedules and resolving conflicts, which has significantly sharpened my stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.” (This is specific. It gives examples. It uses keywords like “Pivot Tables” and “stakeholder management.” This person is no longer a “student,” they are a “candidate.”)

3.3 Paragraph 3: The “Why Them” & The Close

You've shown them you're great. Now, you must show them you want to be great at their company. This proves you are not “copying and pasting.”

1. Do Your Research (10 minutes): Go to their “About Us” page, read their mission, or find a recent news article about them.
2. Connect Your Passion to Their Mission:
   • Weak Close: “I am excited to work at your company because it is a great company and I will learn a lot. Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you.” (Passive, selfish)
   • Strong Close: “I have long admired [Company Name's] commitment to [Specific Goal, e.g., ‘financial inclusion for small businesses in Nigeria']. My passion for [Your Skill, e.g., ‘data analysis'] is driven by a desire to solve real-world problems, and I am excited by the prospect of contributing my skills to a team that is making a tangible impact. I am a fast learner, ready to contribute from day one, and am eager to discuss how I can be an asset to your team in an interview.”

3.4 The Sign-Off (The Professional Finish)

This is simple. It is dictated by your salutation.

• If you used their name (e.g., Dear Mr. Adebayo,): End with Yours sincerely,
• If you used a generic salutation (e.g., Dear Hiring Manager, or Dear Sir/Ma,): End with Yours faithfully,

Then, leave a 3-line space and type your full name.

Example:

Yours faithfully,

Adebayo T. Johnson

The Nigerian Student's Toolkit (Full Templates)

Let's put it all together. Here are 5 plug-and-play templates for the most common Nigerian internship scenarios. DO NOT just copy and paste. Use them as a guide.

Template 1: The SIWES/IT Placement Application (300/400 Level)

(This is for when the internship is a mandatory part of your course)

[Your Full Name] [Your City, State, Nigeria] [Your Phone Number] | [Your Professional Email] | [Your LinkedIn URL]

[Date, e.g., 24th October 2025]

[Hiring Manager's Name (if found)] [Hiring Manager's Title] [Company Name] [Company Address (City, State)]

RE: APPLICATION FOR STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES) PLACEMENT (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING)

Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name or “Hiring Manager”],

I am writing to apply for a six-month SIWES placement at [Company Name], as required for my B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering at the [Your University, e.g., Federal University of Technology, Akure]. I am currently in my 400-level and have been following [Company Name]'s pioneering work in [Company's Field, e.g., ‘industrial automation'], and I am eager to apply my academic knowledge to a practical, real-world environment.

My studies in [Relevant Course 1, e.g., ‘Thermodynamics'] and [Relevant Course 2, e.g., ‘Fluid Mechanics'] have given me a strong theoretical foundation. I have also gained practical skills by using AutoCAD and SolidWorks for my final 300-level design project. In this project, I collaborated with a team of four to design a [Name of Project, e.g., ‘small-scale water filtration system'], where I was responsible for the fluid dynamics modeling, demonstrating my analytical skills and ability to work in a team.

I am a dedicated and fast-learning student, proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite and eager to learn your in-house systems. I am particularly impressed by [Company Name]'s [Mention a project or value, e.g., ‘commitment to local content development in the energy sector']. I am confident I can contribute to your engineering team while gaining the invaluable experience my SIWES placement is designed for.

My CV and an introductory letter from my university's SIWES office are attached for your review. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Typed Full Name] [Your Student ID Number (Optional)]

Template 2: The “No Experience” General Internship Application

(This is for when you are applying for a general internship and have no “formal” work experience)

[Your Full Name] [Your City, State, Nigeria] [Your Phone Number] | [Your Professional Email] | [Your LinkedIn URL]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager's Name] [Hiring Manager's Title] [Company Name] [Company Address (City, State)]

RE: APPLICATION FOR THE 2025 MARKETING INTERNSHIP

Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name or “Hiring Manager”],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Marketing Internship at [Company Name], which I discovered on [Platform, e.g., Jobberman]. As a final-year Mass Communication student at [Your University, e.g., Covenant University] with a passion for digital storytelling and brand building, I believe my creative skills and proactive attitude make me a strong candidate for this role.

Although I do not have formal corporate experience, I have actively sought to build practical skills. For the past year, I have independently managed a personal blog/Instagram page dedicated to [Your Niche, e.g., ‘Nigerian fashion'], growing my audience to over 3,000 followers. This hands-on project has taught me the fundamentals of content creation, SEO, and community engagement using tools like Canva and Meta Business Suite. Additionally, as the General Secretary of the [Your Campus Club, e.g., ‘Rotaract Club'], I managed all event promotions, designing flyers and writing copy that helped increase attendance at our annual charity drive by 40%.

I am a fast learner, a strong writer, and deeply passionate about the [Company's Industry, e.g., ‘FMCG'] sector. I have long admired [Company Name]'s iconic brand campaigns, such as the [Mention a specific campaign, e.g., ‘Knorr “Taste of Home” campaign']. I am eager to bring my creativity and digital-first mindset to your team and learn from the best in the industry.

My CV and a link to my portfolio/blog are attached. I am available for an interview to discuss my application further.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Typed Full Name]

Template 3: The NYSC Internship Application

(This is for Corps Members seeking a PPA or an internship during their service year)

[Your Full Name] (NYSC) [Your City, State, Nigeria, e.g., Lagos, Nigeria (NYSC)] [Your Phone Number] | [Your Professional Email] | [Your LinkedIn URL]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager's Name] [Hiring Manager's Title] [Company Name] [Company Address (City, State)]

RE: APPLICATION FOR [Role, e.g., JUNIOR AUDIT] INTERNSHIP (NYSC)

Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name or “Hiring Manager”],

I am a currently serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with [Your State] state code [Your Code, e.g., LA/25A/1234], seeking a challenging internship position. I am writing to apply for the [Role] Internship at [Company Name], as I am deeply impressed by your firm's reputation for excellence and professional development.

I hold a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting from [Your University]. During my studies, I developed a strong foundation in [Skill 1, e.g., ‘IFRS standards'] and [Skill 2, e.g., ‘financial analysis'], and I am currently pursuing my [Certification, e.g., ‘ICAN ATS'] certification. In my final year, I completed a dissertation on [Your Project Topic], which required me to analyze the financial statements of three listed companies on the NGX, sharpening my research and data analysis skills.

I am a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual, proficient in Sage 50 and Microsoft Excel. As a Corps Member, I am available for a full-time, 11-month engagement and am eager to dedicate my service year to a results-driven firm like yours. I am ready to learn quickly, support your team with diligence, and contribute positively to your 2025 audit cycle.

I have attached my CV and a copy of my NYSC call-up letter for your review. I would welcome the opportunity for an interview.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Typed Full Name] (NYSC State Code: LA/25A/1234)

Template 4: The Unsolicited (Prospecting) Cover Letter

(This is for when there is NO advertised vacancy, and you are “shooting your shot”)

[Your Full Name] [Your City, State, Nigeria] [Your Phone Number] | [Your Professional Email] | [Your LinkedIn URL]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager's Name (Crucial to find this)] [Hiring Manager's Title (e.g., Head of Legal)] [Company Name] [Company Address (City, State)]

RE: INQUIRY FOR 2025 LEGAL INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],

I am a 400-level law student at the [Your University, e.g., University of Ibadan] and have been closely following the impressive work of [Company Name's Legal Team/Firm] in [Specific Field, e.g., ‘corporate litigation and arbitration']. I am writing to proactively inquire about the possibility of an internship or “externship” position with your team for the upcoming 2025 academic break.

My passion for [Specific Field, e.g., ‘corporate law'] is not just academic. I am an active member of my university's [Law Society/Moot Court], where I recently competed in the [Name of Competition], drafting memoranda and presenting oral arguments, which honed my legal research and advocacy skills. I am also proficient in using legal research tools like LawPavilion and have a strong grasp of [Legal Area, e.g., ‘CAMPA 2020'].

I understand that you may not have an open vacancy, but I am confident that my strong research abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and proactive learning attitude would allow me to be a valuable asset to your team, even in a temporary capacity. I am eager to learn from your firm, which I consider a leader in the field, and am willing to assist with any tasks, from legal research to case file management.

My CV is attached for your consideration. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my application, even for a brief 10-minute call.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Typed Full Name]

The “Naija” Factor: 10 Common Mistakes That Will Get Your Letter Trashed

I have recruited interns in Nigeria. These are the mistakes I see every single day that get an application immediately rejected.

1. THE “BEGGING” TONE: This is the #1 Nigerian mistake.
   • What it looks like: “Please Ma, I beg you, I am a poor student and I desperately need this job.” “I am humbly begging for you to consider me.” “Please, in the name of God, help me.”
   • Why it's wrong: This is unprofessional. It makes you sound desperate, not confident. It's a business transaction, not a plea for charity.
   • The Fix: Be confident.
     • Instead of: “I beg you to call me.”
     • Say: “I am available for an interview at your convenience.”
2. TYPOS. TYPOS. TYPOS.
   • What it looks like: “I am writting to apply…” “I am a hardwoking student…”
   • Why it's wrong: It is the ultimate sign of carelessness. If you can't get a one-page letter right, why would I trust you with a N10 million financial model?
   • The Fix: Use Grammarly (it's free). Read your letter backward (sentence by sentence). Give it to a friend to read.
3. WRONG FILE NAME:
   • What it looks like: doc1.pdf, my_cv_new_final.docx
   • Why it's wrong: The recruiter has 200 files to download. It's messy and unprofessional.
   • The Fix: Use a professional name. Chiamaka_Eze_Cover_Letter_KPMG.pdf
4. UNPROFESSIONAL EMAIL ADDRESS:
   • What it looks like: hotboy_segun@yahoo.com, princess_Tola@gmail.com
   • Why it's wrong: It shows you are not a serious person.
   • The Fix: Create a free, professional email. firstname.lastname@gmail.com
5. OVER-FAMILIARITY OR SLANG:
   • What it looks like: “Hi guys,” “What's up,” “Dear Oga,”
   • Why it's wrong: This is a business letter, not a WhatsApp chat.
   • The Fix: Keep it 100% formal and professional.
6. MAKING IT ABOUT YOU (THE “LEECH” MISTAKE):
   • What it looks like: “This internship will give me the experience I need.” “I want to learn from your company.” “I need this job to grow my career.”
   • Why it's wrong: The company is not a charity. They are not hiring you to “give” you experience. They are hiring you to add value.
   • The Fix: Frame it as a mutual benefit.
     • Instead of: “I want to learn from you.”
     • Say: “I am eager to contribute my skills while learning from the best in the industry.”
7. WRITING A LIFE STORY (THE “LONG” MISTAKE):
   • What it looks like: A two-page letter.
   • Why it's wrong: Nobody has time.
   • The Fix: ONE PAGE. MAXIMUM. 300-400 words. 3-4 paragraphs. Be concise.
8. THE GENERIC “COPY AND PASTE” LETTER:
   • What it looks like: A letter that could be sent to GTBank, Shell, or a fashion house without changing a word.
   • Why it's wrong: We can spot it a mile away. It's lazy.
   • The Fix: Always include Paragraph 3 (“Why Them”). Mention the company's name and one specific thing about them.
9. USING PDF INSTEAD OF .DOCX (OR VICE VERSA):
   • The Fix: Always use PDF. It is the professional standard. It locks your formatting so it looks the same on every computer. Only use .docx if the application portal specifically demands it (as some older Applicant Tracking Systems do).
10. REPEATING YOUR CV:
    • What it looks like: “As you can see on my CV, I went to UNILAG. As you can see, I am in 300-level. My courses include…”
    • Why it's wrong: The recruiter has your CV. The cover letter is for context and persuasion.
    • The Fix: Use the cover letter to explain the CV.
      • CV: “Group Project”
      • Cover Letter: “My group project taught me teamwork and…”

Your Pre-Flight Checklist (FAQs)

Before you hit “send,” run through these quick questions.

Q: How long should an internship cover letter be? A: One page. No exceptions. 300-400 words.

Q: What's the deal with the email body? A:

• If you are attaching your letter: The email body should be a short, 3-line intro.
  • Subject: Application for [Role] - [Your Name]
  • Body: “Dear Hiring Manager, Please find attached my CV and Cover Letter for the [Role] Internship. My passion for [Skill] and my [Key Quality] make me a strong candidate. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [Your Name].”
• If the application is in the email itself: The email body is your cover letter. Format it just like the templates above (minus the addresses).

Q: Can I use ChatGPT or AI? A: Yes, but carefully. Use it to get a first draft or check your grammar. DO NOT let it write the whole thing. It sounds robotic, and it cannot invent your personal projects or your specific passion. You must personalize it.

Q: Do I really need a cover letter if they only ask for a CV? A: Yes! This is your secret weapon. Send an email where the body is your cover letter (Template 4). It shows initiative and immediately puts you ahead of 90% of other applicants.

Your Internship Cover Letter is Your Voice

In the Nigerian job market, we call it “shooting your shot.” Your CV is the gun, but your cover letter is the aim. A good CV with a bad cover letter misses the target every time.

Your cover letter for an internship is your one and only chance to tell your story, to connect your passion to the company's needs, and to prove that even with “no experience,” you have immense potential.

Don't be lazy. Don't “beg.” Don't copy and paste. Be professional. Be confident. Be specific.

Go and write the letter that proves you are the best candidate.