The Federal Ministry of Education has officially opened applications for the Federal Government Student Venture Capital Grant (SVCG), a groundbreaking initiative designed to equip Nigerian student entrepreneurs with equity-free funding, expert mentorship, and global-standard incubation support. The program, which aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, targets students with innovative STEMM-based projects capable of solving real-world challenges.

This new initiative has quickly become one of the most talked-about funding programs of 2025, offering a massive ₦50 million equity-free grant to qualifying student entrepreneurs. With additional perks such as Google Gemini Pro access and premium resources, the SVCG program is positioned to reshape Nigeria’s innovation landscape.

A Transformational Push for Student-Led Innovation

The SVCG program aims to empower students in accredited Nigerian tertiary institutions, universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, who demonstrate strong innovation capacity. According to the Ministry of Education, this initiative is a strategic investment in the next generation of problem solvers who can bring fresh, scalable, and commercially viable ideas into the national and global marketplace.

The grant specifically targets innovations built around STEMM fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences. By focusing on STEMM-driven ventures, the government intends to accelerate national competitiveness in technology-led industries and encourage young Nigerians to build solutions that align with future economic demands.

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Eligibility Requirements Focused on High-Impact Ventures

To apply for the Student Venture Capital Grant, candidates must be currently enrolled in an accredited tertiary institution and must present a project capable of addressing critical national or global challenges. The proposal must demonstrate real potential for scalability and commercialization, ensuring the program backs ideas that can grow beyond institutional boundaries.

Applicants must also operate within STEMM fields and provide complete documentation, including proof of student status, a detailed project proposal, and team composition details.

The Ministry emphasizes that only serious and innovation-driven students with market-ready concepts will be considered.

Robust Benefits Extend Beyond Funding Alone

While the ₦50m funding is the program’s headline attraction, the SVCG offers a comprehensive list of benefits designed to support student ventures from concept to commercialization.

Successful applicants will receive:

• ₦50m Equity-Free Funding to develop and scale their ventures
• Structured Incubation Programs to refine business models and validate market readiness
• Expert Mentorship from seasoned industry professionals and startup coaches
• Access to Resources such as development tools, technical platforms, and exclusive training
• Google Gemini Pro License, granted to every applicant who successfully submits a project proposal

These support systems signal the government’s commitment to nurturing a thriving innovation ecosystem where students can transform ideas into sustainable businesses.

How to Apply for the Federal Government SVCG (Step-by-Step Guide)

Students who wish to apply must follow a simple online process:

Step 1: Visit the official application portal at svcg.education.gov.ng.

Step 2: Prepare all required documents, including student ID, admission letter, and a well-structured project proposal.

Step 3: Complete the online application and upload all supporting materials.

Step 4: After submission, applicants receive a free one-year Google Gemini Pro license as part of the program’s learning-enhancement benefits.

The Federal Ministry of Education has not specified a deadline, making early application crucial for interested students.

FAQ

1. What is the Federal Government Student Venture Capital Grant (SVCG)?

The SVCG is a federal initiative launched by the Ministry of Education to provide up to ₦50 million equity-free funding to student entrepreneurs in STEMM fields. It supports projects that solve real-world problems and demonstrate strong commercial potential.

2. Who is eligible for the SVCG program?

Applicants must be Nigerian students currently enrolled in accredited tertiary institutions. They must submit an innovative STEMM-based project proposal with a clear strategy for scalability and commercialization.

3. How much funding does the SVCG offer?

Successful applicants can receive up to ₦50 million in equity-free seed funding to develop and scale their ventures.

4. Does the SVCG require students to give up equity?

No. The grant is completely equity-free, meaning recipients retain 100% ownership of their ventures.

5. What fields are eligible for the SVCG?

Only projects within Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM) are eligible.

6. How can I apply for the SVCG grant?

Applications must be submitted through the official portal: svcg.education.gov.ng. Applicants must complete the online form and upload the required documents.

7. When is the application deadline?

The Federal Ministry of Education has not specified a deadline. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

8. What documents are required for the SVCG application?

Required documents include:

• Student ID or proof of enrollment
• A detailed project proposal
• Information on the founding team

9. What benefits besides funding does the SVCG offer?

Participants receive incubation support, expert mentorship, access to resources, and a one-year Google Gemini Pro license.

10. Can non-STEMM students apply?

No. The SVCG strictly focuses on innovation in STEMM fields to drive technological and scientific advancement.