S-VCG second cohort opens: ₦50m grants for 50 student innovators nationwide
What happened? The Federal Government, through Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, has opened applications for the second cohort of the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG). Up to 50 student-led ventures will receive equity-free grants of up to ₦50 million each, plus a six-month mentorship programme with partners like Lafarge, Chowdeck and LifeBank.
Why does this matter? The S-VCG targets Nigerian students in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education who are at least 300 level and have a CAC-registered business. It supports innovations in STEMM fields—health, agriculture, education, technology, energy, logistics and e-commerce—helping turn ideas into viable enterprises. A nationwide campus mobilisation runs from September 6–30, 2026, visiting nine tertiary institutions and activating ambassador programmes in 20 more.
What should you know or do? Applications are open at svcg.education.gov.ng and close September 30, 2026. Applicants must be enrolled Nigerian students, have progressed beyond proof of concept, and undergo AI-assisted screening plus human evaluation. The programme builds on the inaugural cycle which drew 17,914 registrations from 404 institutions. Will you apply to turn your innovative idea into a funded venture with mentorship and networks?