Targets Future ‘Unicorns’ in Tertiary Institutions
By Ajewole Joshua|ABNews| November 17, 2025
The Federal Government has taken a bold step to energize youth-led innovation, launching the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), a national programme designed to transform ideas developed within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions into market-ready ventures.
Announced by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, the initiative opens a new pathway for students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to receive up to N50 million in equity-free funding for groundbreaking projects, particularly in STEMM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences.
Speaking during the unveiling, the Minister of Education, Chief Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision for a future driven by innovation. He noted that the government is intentionally searching for “the next Moonshot” and scouting for student-led ventures capable of becoming Nigeria’s future unicorn companies.
According to the Minister, the grant goes beyond financial support. Successful applicants will be enrolled in an intensive incubation programme that provides expert mentorship, access to vital tools, and a structured environment to refine their solutions into scalable products.
In a move that gives the initiative a global edge, the Ministry announced a strategic partnership with Google. Through this collaboration, the S-VCG application portal is powered by Google’s Gemini AI, enabling intelligent evaluation of submissions. Every applicant who completes a submission will also receive a one-year free Google Gemini Pro license and access to premium learning resources to boost their entrepreneurial skills.
The Ministry described the partnership as a deliberate attempt to equip Nigerian students with world-class digital tools from the start of their innovation journey.
The application portal; svcg.education.gov.ng is now officially open. Nigerian students in accredited tertiary institutions are encouraged to submit proposals showcasing originality, scalability, and strong potential to address pressing challenges.
The announcement was signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
