The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the application portal for the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), providing a significant opportunity for student entrepreneurs across the country to access substantial funding for their business ventures.
Massive Funding Opportunity for Student Innovators
In an exciting development for Nigeria's educational and entrepreneurial landscape, the National Orientation Agency announced on Friday, November 29, 2025, that the registration portal is now active for the Student Venture Capital Grant program. This initiative represents a crucial step in the government's comprehensive strategy to address the growing unemployment crisis in Nigeria.
The program offers equity-free grants reaching up to ₦50 million for qualified student entrepreneurs, providing substantial financial support without requiring ownership stakes in their businesses. This approach ensures that students maintain full control over their innovative ventures while receiving the capital needed to scale their operations.
Targeting High-Potential STEMM Innovations
The Federal Government has specifically designed the S-VCG program to identify and support exceptional innovations emerging from higher education institutions. The initiative places particular emphasis on student innovators specializing in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM) fields, recognizing the transformative potential of these disciplines in driving national development.
Eligibility for the grant requires applicants to be full-time students currently in 300 level or above at any accredited tertiary institution in Nigeria. Beyond financial support, successful applicants will receive comprehensive business development services including mentorship, incubation support, and professional guidance to help them navigate the challenges of scaling their ventures and addressing real-world problems.
Implementation and Application Process
The government has partnered with the Bank of Industry to ensure transparent and accountable implementation of the S-VCG program. This collaboration aims to maintain the highest standards of integrity throughout the grant distribution process.
Interested students can submit their applications through the official portal at svcg.education.gov.ng. The program's structure reflects the government's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Nigeria's youth population.
However, early applicants have reported some technical challenges and institutional limitations. Several students noted that their universities weren't listed in the application system, while others encountered difficulties with specific course departments not being recognized. Some applicants also experienced issues with video upload functionality during the application process.
The Federal Government's Student Venture Capital Grant represents a landmark initiative in Nigeria's efforts to harness the creative potential of its student population while simultaneously addressing unemployment through entrepreneurship development.
