The Federal Government has expanded its support for student entrepreneurship with the launch of the Student-Led Venture Capital Grant Programme, a nationwide initiative designed to help students in Nigerian tertiary institutions turn innovative ideas into viable businesses.
Introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education, the programme allows eligible students to access equity-free grants of up to ₦50 million to develop and scale technology-driven and innovation-focused ventures. The funding is structured as a grant rather than a loan, ensuring beneficiaries retain full ownership of their businesses and are not burdened with repayment obligations.
Officials say the initiative goes beyond financial support by offering structured incubation, mentorship, and investment readiness support aimed at improving the survival and growth prospects of student-led startups. By combining funding with business development guidance, the programme is expected to bridge the gap between early-stage ideas and commercially sustainable enterprises.
The grant is open to students currently enrolled in both public and private tertiary institutions across the country. It is targeted at ventures with strong innovation potential, particularly those leveraging technology and scalable solutions to address real economic and social challenges. The focus reflects a broader policy direction that positions young people not just as job seekers, but as job creators and drivers of economic growth.
The Student-Led Venture Capital Grant Programme aligns with the Federal Government’s wider agenda on youth empowerment, innovation, and employment creation. By supporting student entrepreneurs early, the government aims to strengthen Nigeria’s startup pipeline, stimulate local innovation ecosystems, and reduce graduate unemployment over time.
Education and industry stakeholders note that equity-free funding of this scale could significantly lower entry barriers for young founders who often struggle to access capital. If effectively implemented, the programme could also encourage stronger collaboration between universities, innovation hubs and the private sector, helping student ventures transition into market-ready businesses.
Applications and further information on the programme are available through the official portal at https://svcg.education.gov.ng/
