FG Awards ₦50m Each to 45 Student Innovators

The Nigerian Federal Government has granted ₦50 million each to 45 student innovators, as announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during an initiative launch on Sunday at the UNDP Innovation Hub in Ikoyi, Lagos State. This program is part of a broader strategy to empower innovative Nigerian students and transform the educational landscape, aiming to shift from traditional learning to practical problem-solving.

The initiative attracted 30,000 applications from 400 tertiary institutions nationwide, with the goal of nurturing student-led startups that can address real national challenges in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and fintech. The program includes a rigorous three-day boot camp where selected students pitch their ideas to industry experts.

Alausa emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in job creation and economic growth, supported by partnerships with organizations like UNDP and Google. The initiative marks a significant shift in educational policy, aiming to equip students with the skills necessary for real-world impact and innovation.