The Federal Government has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening education, innovation, and human capital development, encompassing student entrepreneurship, foreign scholarships, and examination reforms.
In a significant boost for youth innovation, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has shortlisted 65 student innovators from over 30,000 applicants across 404 tertiary institutions for the final stage of the Student Venture Capital Grant (SVCG).
Implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with the Bank of Industry, the programme offers up to N50 million in equity-free funding to commercially viable student-led ventures. Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, described the initiative as a strategic investment in future job creators. Finalists will participate in an intensive bootcamp from March 26 to 29, 2026, culminating in an awards ceremony where successful beneficiaries will be announced.
In parallel, the Niger Delta Development Commission has opened applications for its 2026/2027 Foreign Master’s Postgraduate Scholarship Programme. The fully funded scheme targets candidates from oil-producing states and aims to equip young Nigerians with global skills relevant to local content development. Eligible applicants must hold at least a second-class upper degree, be under 40 years, and secure admission into a recognised overseas university. The selection process includes a computer-based test in Rivers State and multiple verification stages. Applications opened on March 23 and will close on April 19, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has directed candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination to print their mock examination notification slips ahead of the March 28 test. JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, announced key reforms, including a trial of a new test engine and the extension of the mock examination from two to four hours. The exercise will now be conducted in two sessions on the same day to better familiarise candidates with the computer-based testing system.
Participation in the mock examination is mandatory for candidates who opted for it, with absentees liable to sanctions. The main UTME is scheduled to commence on April 16, 2026, with enhanced security measures in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Collectively, these initiatives underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting innovation, expanding educational opportunities, and modernising assessment systems in line with global standards.
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