The Federal Government has shortlisted 65 student innovators from a total of 30,639 applicants drawn from 404 tertiary institutions across the country for the award of a ₦50 million innovation grant aimed at supporting youth-driven research and technological development.
The selection was announced by the Federal Ministry of Education as part of ongoing efforts to promote creativity, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving among students in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Officials said the initiative is designed to encourage young innovators to develop practical solutions that can contribute to national growth and economic diversification.
According to the ministry, the applicants participated in a rigorous screening process that evaluated originality, feasibility, and potential impact of their ideas. The exercise was conducted by a panel of experts drawn from academia, industry, and government agencies to ensure transparency and merit-based selection.
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A statement from the ministry explained that the 65 finalists emerged after several stages of assessment, including document review, project evaluation, and virtual presentations. The shortlisted students are expected to receive financial support to further develop their innovations into viable products or services.
The Federal Government said the ₦50 million grant would be disbursed to support research, prototype development, and commercialization of selected projects, adding that the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to strengthening science, technology, and innovation in the education sector.
Officials noted that the large number of applications received from institutions nationwide reflects the growing interest of Nigerian youths in innovation and entrepreneurship. They added that the government intends to expand similar programmes in the future to provide more opportunities for students with creative ideas.
The ministry also stated that the programme is part of broader reforms aimed at repositioning tertiary education to meet modern economic demands, particularly in areas such as technology, engineering, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a positive step toward empowering young people and reducing unemployment through innovation-driven enterprise. They urged the government to ensure timely release of funds and continuous mentorship for the beneficiaries to guarantee the success of the initiative.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting young talents across the country, stressing that investing in student innovators is critical to building a knowledge-based economy and securing Nigeria’s future competitiveness in the global technology space.
