The Federal government has awarded a total of 2.5 billion in grants to 45 impressive student-led endeavors at the 2026 Trainee Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) Bootcamp and Awards held at the UNDP Development Center in Lagos. The winners emerged after a competitive choice procedure including 65 finalists drawn from organizations throughout the country.
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, stated the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to transforming tertiary organizations into centres of innovation, entrepreneurship, and useful analytical. He kept in mind that the program aligns with the Restored Hope Program of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Alausa disclosed that each of the selected endeavors could access up to 50 million in equity-free financing, in addition to mentorship, incubation assistance, and access to digital tools. According to him, the programme attracted over 30,000 applications from 404 organizations nationwide, underscoring Nigeria’s growing innovation capacity.
Likewise speaking, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, stressed the crucial role of digital development in driving economic development and empowering young entrepreneurs in the country.
In her remarks, Suwaiba Said Ahmad commended the durability, imagination, and decision shown by the finalists throughout the extensive choice procedure.
Other stakeholders, including Muntari Dandutse and Elsie Attafuah, required sustained investment in youth-driven innovation, keeping in mind that such initiatives are essential for nationwide advancement and job production.
The Federal Ministry of Education declared its dedication to nurturing trainee business owners and building a strong pipeline of innovators efficient in driving Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.