The Federal Government is set to unveil a bold new initiative—the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG)—to empower student entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Also known as the “STEMM Up Grant,” the programme is designed to nurture scalable, job-creating ventures led by full-time undergraduate students in STEMM disciplines from 300-level and above.
The initiative, announced on Friday by Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, will be formally launched in August 2025 by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Speaking at a recent stakeholder engagement session in Abuja, Alausa said:
“S-VCG is not just a grant. It’s a launchpad for bold, young innovators to lead Nigeria’s industrial and technological transformation.
We are giving our students the tools to dream, build, and scale solutions that solve real-world problems — from tech and medicine to agriculture and green energy.”
The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to ensure financial transparency, impact measurement, and effective project execution.
Each selected student-led venture will be eligible for: Startup capital of up to ₦50 million, mentorship and business incubation support, access to business development services.
Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy.
“We’re building a stronger, more competitive future by supporting innovation from the ground up,” she said.
She added that the programme was developed through months of consultation with students, university leadership, faculty, and development partners.
The government emphasized that the STEMM Up Grant aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on inclusive education, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic development.
