FG Student Venture Grant 2026 Nigeria: Guide and Application Steps
The Federal Government of Nigeria has opened applications for the second cohort of its Student Venture Capital Grant, creating another funding opportunity for student entrepreneurs building businesses while still in school.
Checks by our opportunities desk show that the programme offers up to ₦50 million in equity-free funding to each of 50 selected student-led ventures, for a total package potentially reaching ₦2.5 billion.
The programme targets innovators enrolled in Nigerian universities, polytechnics or colleges of education who have reached at least 300 level (or equivalent) and who lead Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or Medicine-related businesses that have moved beyond pure proof of concept.
Applicants must hold a Corporate Affairs Commission-registered business name or company. Applications close on 30 September 2026 through the official portal at svcg.education.gov.ng.
A nationwide campus mobilisation campaign runs from 6 to 30 September across nine institutions spanning all six geopolitical zones, including the University of Abuja, University of Lagos, Bayero University Kano and Covenant University.
Shortlisted teams deliver virtual presentations, finalists attend a three-day boot camp and pitch in person, while winners receive six months of mentorship from partners such as Lafarge, LifeBank, Future Africa and Co-Creation Hub.
The funding carries no equity requirement, allowing students to retain full ownership while scaling.
Preparation involves confirming enrolment status, ensuring CAC registration is current, documenting real-world traction or prototypes and submitting a clear business plan that highlights community or national impact.
With the deadline still three weeks away and roadshows actively under way, eligible student entrepreneurs should complete the online form early and attend any local information sessions to strengthen their submissions.
For students already building a serious venture, the grant provides more than funding alone: the pitch process, boot camp and six-month mentorship can give selected teams additional structure as they move from an early business into a scalable enterprise.
