FG Unveils Student Venture Capital Grant

The Federal Government has introduced a groundbreaking Student Venture Capital Grant aimed at boosting research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across Nigerian tertiary institutions. The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Youth Development, will provide equity-free funding of up to N50 million to student-led startups.

According to the ministry, the programme has already generated massive interest, receiving 17,914 applications from 402 institutions nationwide. Shortlisted applicants will advance to a pitch stage, where a 12-member panel of experts will evaluate their ideas and select the most promising ventures.

The government says the goal is to transform campuses into vibrant innovation hubs capable of producing market-ready solutions with real economic impact.

Stakeholders including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), development partners, and several government representatives have lauded the initiative as a major step forward under the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing its potential to empower young innovators and accelerate national development.