ABUJA – July 25, 2025 – The Federal Government has announced plans to launch the STEMM Up Grant, officially named the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG).
The new initiative aims to empower students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to develop scalable and job-creating ventures across key sectors.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, will unveil the program in August 28, 2025. He made the announcement during a stakeholder engagement held in Abuja on July 25, 2025.
The event gathered Vice Chancellors, Provosts, Rectors, student leaders, academics, and development partners to discuss strategies for national development through education and innovation.
“This is more than a grant – it’s a launchpad for bold innovation,” Dr. Alausa said. “We are equipping students to create transformative solutions in tech, medicine, agriculture, and green energy.”
Targeting students from 300-level and above in STEMM fields, the initiative offers up to ₦50 million in startup capital for each selected project. In addition to funding, the program includes mentorship, business incubation, and continuous support to drive innovation and job creation.
The Bank of Industry (BOI) is partnering with the Ministry to implement the grant, ensuring transparency, effective delivery, and accountability.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the grant as “a strategic investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy,” emphasizing its alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on youth empowerment and sustainable economic growth.
The Ministry of Education affirmed its commitment to inclusive implementation, consistent monitoring, and tangible impact across Nigeria’s higher institutions.
News Update:
Tunji Alausa added saying, “Through the STEMM Up Grant, we aim to tackle graduate unemployment, drive youth innovation, and position Nigeria as a continental hub for student-led entrepreneurship.”
“The Ministry remains fully committed to an inclusive rollout and rigorous monitoring to ensure that this initiative delivers lasting impact across our higher education system.”
“Let us work together to unlock the brilliance of our young people. The future of Nigeria is not only in the classroom — it’s in the ideas our students dare to pursue,” he concluded.