This is not a joke: FG is giving ₦50 million to student innovators

Let’s not sugarcoat it, school in Nigeria can feel like one long hustle.
You attend classes, copy notes, rush assignments, and still wonder what all the stress is for.
But what if I told you there’s a window, a big one opening for you to build, create, and get paid up to ₦50 million for it?

Yes, you read that right. The Federal Government is about to launch STEMM Up, a bold new venture fund for full-time Nigerian students in Science, Tech, Engineering, Math, or Medicine (STEMM).

You? Sitting in 300 level or above in a Nigerian university or polytechnic?
This might just be your moment.

Let’s break this thing down clearly, like gist between friends.

The FG is launching a ₦50 million venture fund this August for student-led innovations.
If you have a smart idea or can solve a real Nigerian problem using science or tech, they want to back you.

This is not a loan. This is free money, mentorship, business support, and real startup exposure.

You get:

• Up to ₦50 million in startup capital
• Mentorship from top business minds
• Incubation support to build a real business
• Funding to turn your idea into a solution Nigeria needs

This is not “best graduating student award” money. This is “change-the-game” money.

Who is this for?

Let’s be clear. This is not for everybody.
Here’s who they’re looking for:

• You’re in 300 level or above
• You’re a full-time student in a Nigerian university or polytechnic
• You’re studying STEMM Science, Tech, Engineering, Math, Medicine
• You have or can create a tech-driven solution to a real-world problem
• You don’t just want a job. You want to solve problems and make impact

If that’s you, read this twice. Then read it again.

So, what can you do right now?

You don’t wait for August 28, 2025 and start rushing last minute. You start preparing now.
Here’s what you can start doing this week:

1. Research serious problems
Look around. What do people in your area complain about daily?
Lack of clean water? Electricity? Healthcare? Education access? Traffic wahala?
Find a problem so real it annoys people. Then solve it.

2. Write down your idea like a human
Not English you copied from a textbook. In plain language:

• What’s the problem?
• Who does it affect?
• How will your idea help?
• Why is now the right time?

3. Build a small team (if needed)
Find 2–4 serious people, not just “tech bros” that only know how to tweet.
You want doers, those who will build, learn, fail fast, and try again.
If you prefer solo, that’s fine too. Just show grit.

4. Go on YouTube University
Watch “How to pitch a business idea,” “How to build an MVP,” “How to validate a startup.”
There are people breaking it down for free. Learn it like you’re learning to survive.

5. Start working on your pitch
Build a 5-slide deck:

• Problem
• Your solution
• How it works
• Who benefits
• How you’ll use the money

It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be clear.

What kind of ideas are they looking for?

Ideas that touch real-life pain points, especially in these areas:

• Tech and innovation
• Health and medicine
• Climate and environment
• Education and learning

Even if your idea is small, start small. A phone app. A new medical tool. An educational platform. A clean energy solution. If it can grow, you’re on the right path.

Let’s tell ourselves the truth.
Most of what we’re doing in school is still focused on getting a job after graduation.
But this? This is your chance to build something that can hire others.

You don’t have to wait until NYSC.
You don’t have to know everything now.
You just have to start thinking differently.

The world is changing. AI, automation, remote work, healthtech, fintech, they’re all rising.
And Nigeria? We’re finally starting to invest in brains, not just paper.

If you’re reading this and it feels like “it’s not for me” because maybe you feel too average, or too unsure, I see you.
But let me tell you something. Nobody was born knowing how to build an empire.
We all start from the same place: curiosity, courage, and consistency.

August 28 is not far. The people who will win this money?
They’re already preparing now, quietly.

They’re not tweeting motivational quotes.
They’re learning, planning, thinking, building.

So if you’re in STEMM, this is not just a grant.
It’s a golden opportunity to create the kind of future your children will thank you for.

Don’t sleep on it.

Remember:

“The wise see opportunity and prepare for it.”  Proverbs 22:3

You don’t grow by learning alone.
You grow by doing.

You grab the gist?

Now go get started.