The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has launched applications for the Student Venture Capital Grant (S‑VCG), a national initiative aimed at funding student-led innovations across Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The programme provides equity-free grants of up to ₦50 million to students with market-ready projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM).

The online portal is now open, and applications close on 23 January 2026. Interested students can apply here: Apply for S-VCG Grant.http://Apply for S-VCG Grant.

Empowering Youth Innovation

According to Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, the S‑VCG is designed to transform tertiary institutions into hubs of entrepreneurship and research commercialisation. “We are looking for the next generation of Nigerian innovators whose projects can grow into impactful businesses,” he said.

The initiative forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Education, linking academic research to real-world solutions and promoting youth-led startups.

Who Can Apply

• Full-time students in accredited tertiary institutions.

• Must be in at least 300 level or postgraduate programmes in STEMM fields.

• Ventures must operate under a CAC-registered business name.

• Applications can be individual or team-based.

Shortlisted applicants will pitch before a 12-members panel of experts from academia, industry, and venture capital.

Beyond Funding

Successful applicants gain:

• Intensive incubation programmes

• Mentorship from industry leaders

• One-year Google Gemini Pro licence

• Access to learning resources and business development support

Even unsuccessful applicants will be added to a national Innovation Repository, increasing their visibility for future opportunities.

Partnerships and Impact

The S-VCG is backed by organisations including Google, TETFund, Bank of Industry, Afara Initiative, and Afrilabs, ensuring students benefit from funding, networks, and technical expertise.

Analysts say the programme could boost research commercialisation, intellectual property development, and youth job creation, while supporting innovative solutions in healthcare, agriculture, digital technology, and renewable energy.

Student Voices

Campus innovation hubs and student groups have expressed excitement, calling the grant an opportunity to turn classroom ideas into viable businesses. Some advocates, however, encourage the government to expand future grants to include arts, social sciences, and creative industries.

Apply Now

Eligible students nationwide are encouraged to submit applications before the deadline.

Apply here: https://svcg.education.gov.ng/