FG Opens Application Portal for Student Venture Capital Grant

The Federal Government has officially opened the application portal for the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), a new funding initiative designed to support student innovators across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The grant, which offers up to ₦50 million in equity-free financing, targets students developing scalable projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM).

According to the Ministry of Education, the programme forms part of the administration’s broader innovation and entrepreneurship drive aimed at empowering young people to build technology-driven solutions. Officials explained that the S-VCG is structured not only as a funding window, but also as an incubation pipeline that will provide mentorship, training and technical resources to selected beneficiaries.

The application portal — svcg.education.gov.ng — is now active for eligible students enrolled in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. Applicants are expected to submit details of their venture, including a project proposal, viability assessment and proof of enrolment in an accredited institution.

Although the grant value is capped at ₦50 million per project, authorities have not specified how many ventures will be funded or the exact allocation criteria.

The ministry also noted that the initiative is designed as an equity-free support system, ensuring that recipients retain full ownership of their innovations.

While the programme has generated excitement in academic and tech circles, stakeholders say they expect further clarification on selection timelines, documentation requirements and deadlines as the process progresses.

The Federal Government described the scheme as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s next generation of innovators, expressing confidence that the S-VCG will help turn student-driven ideas into viable enterprises capable of contributing to national growth and job creation.