FG unveils N2.5bn grant scheme for 50 student innovators

The Federal Government has opened applications for the second cohort of its Next Moonshot Initiative, offering up to N50 million equity-free each to 50 student-led ventures nationwide, according to a report by Peoples Gazette. National Coordinator Adebayo Onigbanjo said the application portal will close on September 30, targeting STEM-based student entrepreneurs.

A nationwide roadshow will run from September 6 to 30 across nine tertiary institutions, alongside a Campus Ambassador Programme in 20 others. Applications will undergo AI-assisted screening before human evaluation, with finalists attending a boot camp and pitching to an evaluation panel. Winners will also receive six months of mentorship from partners including Lafarge, LifeBank and Future Africa.