The Federal Government has launched a Student Venture Capital Grant to support innovation and entrepreneurship among students in tertiary institutions across the country.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on 8 December 2025 by Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, the initiative offers up to ₦50 million in equity-free seed funding for student-led ventures with potential for global impact.
He described the programme as “a bold investment in student creativity” and a key pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The grant provides incubation, mentorship, innovation tools and access to industry and academic networks.
It is open to full-time students in federal, state and private institutions, with priority for STEM and medical sciences.
Submissions opened on 17 November and will close on 23 January 2026. The ministry reported 17,914 applications from 402 institutions, to be assessed by a 12-member expert panel.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Saidu Ahmad said the platform addresses long-standing funding gaps in student innovation and will be supported by an AI-powered evaluation system.
Stakeholders, including the Minister of Agriculture, the House Committee on University Education, the Special Adviser to the President, and former Minister of Power Professor Barth Nnaji, commended the programme for aligning with national development goals.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening student capabilities and expanding Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
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