Nigeria’s brightest young innovators were celebrated at the 2026 Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) Finalist Bootcamp, Closing Ceremony, and Awards Presentation held at the UNDP Office, Ikoyi, Lagos. Forty-five student ventures emerged as winners following an intensive bootcamp where 65 finalists’ business proposals were rigorously evaluated by a 12-member panel of business experts.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Moruf Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming tertiary institutions into hubs of innovation and enterprise. He described the S-VCG initiative as a central pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to empower students to move beyond theory and develop practical solutions to societal challenges. The Minister highlighted that selected students gain access to up to ₦50 million in equity-free funding, mentorship, incubation, and advanced digital tools to bring their ventures to life. He also lauded the nationwide response, with over 30,000 applications from 404 tertiary institutions, reflecting the depth of Nigeria’s youth innovation.
Speaking earlier, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, applauded the students for their creativity and for integrating technology into their business solutions. In his remarks, he emphasized that digital innovation is a critical driver for national development and encouraged the students to leverage technology to deliver practical and scalable solutions to real-world problems.
In her opening remarks, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, Honourable Minister of State for Education, praised the student finalists for their ingenuity and dedication. She highlighted that initiatives like S-VCG are essential for cultivating problem-solving skills and fostering a culture of innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Mr. Adebayo Onigbanjo, National Project Coordinator of the Special Program Operations and Implementation Unit (SPOIU), provided an overview of the S-VCG programme, outlining its objectives, funding mechanisms, mentorship framework, and expected outcomes. He emphasized how the initiative equips students with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to turn innovative ideas into scalable and impactful ventures.
Reflections from the bootcamp were shared by Professor Okujagu and Lantana Elhassan, who highlighted key learnings, transformative experiences, and the practical skills gained during the intensive sessions. Their insights showcased how the programme nurtures entrepreneurial capacity and prepares students to tackle societal challenges with creativity and resilience.
During the Innovation Spotlight, student finalists showcased their ventures, demonstrating bold ideas, practical solutions, and remarkable creativity. Their presentations captivated the audience, underscoring the enormous potential of Nigeria’s youth to drive innovation and social impact.
The programme also featured goodwill addresses from key stakeholders. Elsie G. Attafuah, Resident Representative of UNDP, praised the students’ innovative approaches and encouraged them to continue contributing to sustainable development. Professor Bart Nnaji commended their ingenuity, while Senator Muntare Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, urged sustained investment in youth-led initiatives to strengthen the nation’s knowledge economy.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of grants, conducted jointly by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Moruf Tunji Alausa, and members of the responsibility table. In his remarks, Dr. Alausa officially recognized the 45 winning student ventures, commending their creativity, determination, and potential for societal impact. One of the awardees spoke on behalf of all winners, expressing gratitude and excitement at the opportunity to translate their innovative ideas into real-world solutions.
Delivering the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the MD/CEO, Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Mr. Oluwatoyin Edu, Executive Director (MSME), acknowledged the dedication of the organizers, participants, and partners in ensuring the success of the S-VCG programme and commended the commitment and ingenuity of Nigeria’s young innovators.
The 2026 Student Venture Capital Grant Finalist Bootcamp and Awards Presentation successfully showcased the creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial drive of Nigeria’s youth, reinforcing the Ministry’s vision of nurturing the next generation of innovators and change-makers.
TOLU ADEDEJI
No comments:
Post a Comment