The Federal Government of Nigeria has shortlisted 65 outstanding student innovators for the final stage of the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG).
The initiative, driven by Bola Tinubu, aims to fund and scale high-impact, student-led ventures across Nigeria.
From Thousands to the Final 65
The selection process was highly competitive:
- 30,639 applications received
- From 404 tertiary institutions nationwide
- Only 65 finalists selected
This highlights the growing wave of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among Nigerian students.
What Is the S-VCG Programme?
Also, The Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) is a flagship initiative designed to:
- Support student-led startups
- Provide funding and mentorship
- Accelerate innovation-driven ideas
- Build a stronger startup ecosystem
Empowering the Next Generation of Founders
The programme focuses on turning student ideas into real businesses by offering:
- Access to venture funding
- Business development support
- Exposure to investors and partners
This creates a pathway for young student innovators to scale their solutions beyond campus.
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Economy
By investing in young entrepreneurs, the government aims to:
- Drive innovation and technology growth
- Create jobs
- Reduce youth unemployment
- Build a knowledge-based economy
What Happens Next?
The shortlisted candidates will now proceed to the final stage, where:
- Their ideas will be evaluated further
- Top ventures may receive funding and support
- Winners will gain opportunities to scale nationally and globally
The S-VCG initiative reflects a growing commitment to nurturing young talent in Nigeria.
For the 65 finalists, this is more than a competition—it’s a chance to turn ideas into impactful ventures that could shape the future of the country.



