The Federal Government on Monday officially launched the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), a flagship initiative that will provide Nigerian tertiary students with up to ₦50 million in equity-free funding to turn their innovative ideas into scalable startups.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, performed the launch in Abuja, describing the programme as a key pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda targeted at youth empowerment, job creation and technological advancement.
Speaking at the colourful event, the minister said the S-VCG is designed to bridge the funding gap faced by brilliant student entrepreneurs and position Nigeria as a global hub for innovation.
“Today, we are not just launching a grant; we are launching the future of Nigeria,” Dr Alausa declared.
“Successful applicants will receive up to ₦50 million in seed investment that requires no repayment or equity dilution, intensive incubation, world-class mentorship from proven entrepreneurs and industry leaders, and national visibility for their ventures.”
Eligibility and Requirements: The programme is open to students of all federal, state and private tertiary institutions across the country.
Applicants must: Be in 300-level or above (for undergraduates), or pursuing master’s/PhD programmes
Have a CAC-registered business
Present projects strictly within STEMM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences)
The application portal (www.svcg.gov.ng) (www.svcg.gov.ng) opened on 17 November 2025 and will close on 23 January 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch before a 12-member panel of investors and industry experts in the second phase of the selection process.
Dr Alausa urged Nigerian students to seize the “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” stressing that the Tinubu administration is deliberate about moving the country from a consumption economy to a production and innovation-driven one.
Several vice-chancellors, startup founders and youth representatives who attended the launch hailed the initiative as the boldest government intervention yet in student entrepreneurship.
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