FG to launch ₦50m ‘STEMM Up Grant’ for tertiary science students

The Federal Government will on August 28, 2025, officially launch a ₦50 million grant programme aimed at empowering science-based undergraduate students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The initiative, tagged the STEMM Up Grant, targets full-time students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM), particularly those in 300-level and above.

Formally known as the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), the programme is designed to promote student-driven innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education.

“This is not just a grant — it’s a launchpad for bold, young innovators to lead Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement,” said Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

He explained that the initiative would equip students to develop scalable solutions in key sectors such as technology, healthcare, agriculture, and renewable energy.

The launch will feature a high-level stakeholder engagement in Abuja, with participation from university vice chancellors, rectors, provosts, student leaders, academic staff, and development partners. Alausa said the grant aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially its focus on youth empowerment and sustainable economic development.

The scheme is being implemented in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to ensure transparency and impact-driven execution.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the programme as a strategic boost to Nigeria’s knowledge economy. She noted that it followed months of consultations with key players in the education sector.

Alausa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to inclusiveness and strict monitoring to ensure long-term benefits for tertiary institutions nationwide.

“The future of Nigeria lies not only in the classroom but in the bold ideas our students dare to pursue,” he said.