Nigeria’s Education Minister Launches ₦50m Grant for Student Startups
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has officially launched the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), a government initiative designed to support student-driven innovations and startups through funding, mentorship, and visibility. The grant offers Nigerian students the opportunity to access up to ₦50 million in investment funding for their businesses .
The S-VCG is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at empowering youth and fostering innovation. The program is open to students of all federal, state, and private tertiary institutions, including undergraduate students in their third year and above, as well as master’s and PhD students .
To be eligible for the grant, students must:
– Be in 300-level or higher
– Have projects related to STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences)
– Ensure their businesses are CAC-registered .
The application portal opened on November 17, 2025, and closes on January 23, 2026. Selected applicants will advance to a second stage, where they will pitch their ventures to a 12-member panel of industry professionals [1].
*Benefits of the Grant*
The S-VCG offers a comprehensive support package, including:
– Up to ₦50 million in equity-free seed investment
– Intensive incubation program
– Mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders .