The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to officially launch a ₦50 million grant programme aimed at supporting students in science-related fields. Known as the STEMM Up Grant, this initiative will be unveiled on August 28 and is designed to empower full-time undergraduate students studying Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM) in Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.
The initiative, formally called the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), is a strategic effort to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among 300-level students and above.
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Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the programme is more than just financial support; it’s a catalyst for national development. “We are equipping our students with the tools to create impactful solutions, from health and technology to agriculture and energy,” he stated.
Each selected student-led project will have access to up to ₦50 million in startup funding, alongside mentorship, business incubation, and enterprise development opportunities. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes youth empowerment and sustainable economic growth.
The grant will be administered in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to ensure proper implementation, transparency, and measurable outcomes.
At the high-level stakeholder meeting held in Abuja, key players in Nigeria’s education ecosystem, including Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, student leaders, and development partners, were present to show their support.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the initiative as a bold investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy. She noted that the programme was the result of thorough consultations with students, lecturers, and sector stakeholders.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the Ministry of Education is dedicated to an inclusive and transparent rollout, with strong monitoring mechanisms to track impact. “Nigeria’s future isn’t just in lecture halls, it’s in the courage of students to turn ideas into reality,” he said.
