Federal Government Launches ₦50 Million Student Venture Grant
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step toward nurturing the next generation of innovators by opening the application portal for the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG). This groundbreaking initiative, announced on November 17, 2025, provides Nigerian students in tertiary institutions with access to up to ₦50 million in equity-free funding for their innovative projects.
Strategic Partnership and Support Ecosystem
During the official launch, Education Minister Tunji Alausa emphasized the program's importance within the Renewed Hope Agenda. "The President has challenged us to look for the next Moonshot within our tertiary institutions," Alausa stated. "We are not just looking for projects; we are scouting for future Nigerian Unicorns whose roots will be planted right here in our universities and colleges."
The grant program specifically targets innovations in STEMM fields - Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences. Successful applicants will benefit from a comprehensive support system that includes:
- Intensive incubation programs
- Expert mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs
- Full access to development tools and platforms
- Resources needed to scale their startups
Google Partnership and Application Process
The Federal Ministry of Education has established a strategic partnership with Google to enhance the program's effectiveness. Google's Gemini AI technology has been integrated into the application portal to power custom-built evaluation agents that ensure fair and efficient review of submissions.
Every applicant who successfully submits a business project or innovation will receive a one-year free Google Gemini Pro licence along with premium learning resources to develop their entrepreneurial and technical skills.
The Ministry encourages all eligible Nigerian students enrolled in accredited tertiary institutions to apply through the official portal at https://svcg.education.go.ng. Applicants should submit proposals that demonstrate scalability, market relevance, and potential to address critical national or global challenges.
This initiative represents a major investment in Nigeria's future innovation landscape, positioning student entrepreneurs at the forefront of global entrepreneurship while providing them with the necessary tools and funding to transform their ideas into market-ready enterprises.
