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Abstract Despite huge commitments, education quality and achievement gaps have remained low in developing countries, posing threats to the actualisation of the SDG-4 goals. A recent quantitative study found that a scholarship scheme that engages communities adopts hybrid selection criteria, and seeks en-masse motivation towards high test scores might be effective at improving education quality. Case Study interviews of 15 beneficiaries of the IFOMSSA Senior Scholarship, a scheme established in 2017 for high schools in Southeast Nigeria. Respondents confirmed that the Scheme’s hybrid (needs and merit-based) selection criteria, along with its en-masse motivation strategies and community involvement, all contributed to improved test scores and exam enrolments. Non-scholarship recipients were motivated as much as eventual recipients, affirming “mass motivation”. Community groups (family, friends, teachers, community leaders and government staff) had positive influences, while media publicity inspired confidence and trust. Scholarship schemes that integrate the advocated principles might hold the key to sustainably optimising test scores in developing countries. This expands options for improving education quality and enrolments.