The Nigerian government has opened application for the second cohort of the N2.5bn Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) for tertiary institution student innovators nationwide.
The program is aimed at expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, with 50 student-led ventures set to receive up to ₦50 million each in equity-free funding.
The National Project Coordinator of the S-VCG, Mr. Adebayo Onigbanjo, disclosed the development at a press briefing ahead of the nationwide campus mobilisation campaign scheduled for September 6–30, 2026.
He said the programme is open to students developing innovations in health, agriculture, education, technology, energy, logistics, e-commerce and other STEMM-related fields.
Onigbanjo said the mobilisation is designed to take the programme directly to students across the country, particularly those developing solutions in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), while providing information on eligibility, application requirements and the selection process.
READ ALSO: NELFUND Hails President Tinubu’s Support For Student Loan Scheme
According to him, the S-VCG team will visit nine tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones: University of Abuja, Nile University, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bayero University Kano, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, University of Lagos and Covenant University, Ota.
“A Campus Ambassador Programme will also be activated in 20 additional institutions to extend awareness of the opportunity to more students nationwide.
“The Ministry is encouraging Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, lecturers and student leaders to identify promising innovators within their institutions and encourage them to apply,” he said
The National Coordinator explained that for the second cohort, the selection process has been strengthened to ensure that promising ventures receive rigorous assessment, as Applications will undergo AI-assisted screening and assessment by 10 human evaluators, stressing that shortlisted applicants will make virtual presentations before an Evaluation Committee, while finalists will proceed to a bootcamp and in-person presentations.
“A major addition to the S-VCG programme is a six-month mentorship programme for successful beneficiaries. Through the initiative, student entrepreneurs are connected with experienced organisations and business leaders across technology, logistics, e-commerce, health, education and other sectors,” he said.
He said the expanded model reflects Dr. Alausa’s approach to supporting student entrepreneurship beyond funding, by providing beneficiaries with access to mentorship, networks and practical business support as they develop and scale their ventures.
He emphasised that applicants must be currently enrolled in a Nigerian university, polytechnic or college of education and be at least 300 level or its equivalent, however, students below 300 level may participate as members of teams led by qualifying students.
“Applicants must also have a CAC-registered business name or company, while their projects must have progressed beyond proof of concept and demonstrate real-world potential.
Application is open on the S-VCG website and closes on September 30, 2026.
