The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has officially launched the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) programme aimed at funding student-led ventures with up to N50 million in equity-free grants, with a deadline for applications fixed for January 23.
The minister officially launched the S-VCG programme in Abuja on Monday
The minister told the audience that while not every idea will become a startup, the ministry hopes that some of the innovations that emerge from the programme will evolve into patents and licensable technologies with potential for significant local and global impact.
He highlighted that shortlisted teams will pitch before a 12-member panel comprising representatives of the Research, Innovation & Commercialization Committee, the Bank of Industry, venture capital and private equity professionals, Afara Initiative, tertiary institutions’ professors, and the Federal Ministry of Education.
He highlighted that the formal launch of this landmark initiative speaks directly to the future of Nigeria and the central mission of this administration.
He explained that the programme aims to ignite innovation, institute research excellence, and kick-start a vibrant entrepreneurial culture across tertiary institutions.
Every business submission will be thoroughly evaluated, and applicants will receive feedback to help refine and strengthen their ideas for subsequent cycles. More importantly, this programme will accelerate research commercialization and the development of Intellectual Property (IP),” he stated.
The minister noted that applications will close on 23rd January 2026, urging all eligible students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to take advantage of the opportunity
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