Youth Innovation
Nigerian Student Venture Prize (NSVP)
Empowering the Next Generation of Nigerian Innovators
The Nigerian Student Venture Prize (NSVP) is Edugist Education Foundation’s flagship youth innovation and entrepreneurship programme. Launched in 2019, NSVP was created to nurture entrepreneurial talent among students across Nigerian universities and tertiary institutions.
Over the years, it has become a trusted platform for young changemakers, equipping them with funding, mentorship, and exposure to transform their ideas into impactful ventures. With each edition, NSVP has grown stronger, delivering measurable impact and building a vibrant community of student entrepreneurs shaping Nigeria’s future.
Why NSVP?
Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world, yet limited opportunities exist for students to transition from academic study to entrepreneurship. NSVP was born out of the urgent need to close this gap — providing students with the resources, skills, and networks required to innovate and succeed.
NSVP focuses on:
- Providing seed funding to launch viable student-led businesses.
- Connecting students with mentors from business, technology, academia, and social sectors.
- Delivering training and bootcamps on business modelling, pitching, financial management, and digital tools.
- Showcasing ventures to investors, policymakers, and the global community.
Our Journey So Far
2019 – The Inaugural Edition
The very first NSVP took place in 2019, marking the beginning of a bold experiment: could Nigerian students be empowered to become job creators rather than job seekers? The event attracted hundreds of applications nationwide and culminated in a high-energy pitch competition that introduced a new wave of student-led innovation.
2021 – The Second Edition
Building on the momentum of 2019, the 2021 edition expanded NSVP’s reach. Despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully restructured the programme to accommodate hybrid engagement. This allowed more students to participate, receive mentorship, and showcase their ventures. By 2021, NSVP had gained national recognition as a credible platform for student entrepreneurship.
Looking Ahead
Future editions will continue to scale — with stronger regional representation, more partners on board, and a growing alumni network making tangible impact in their communities.
Programme Structure
NSVP runs biennially and follows a rigorous process designed to identify and nurture student innovators:
Call for Applications – Open nationwide to all tertiary institutions.
Screening & Selection – A transparent, multi-stage process to identify the most promising ventures.
Capacity-Building Bootcamp – Intensive training sessions covering entrepreneurial and digital skills.
Pitch Event – Finalists present to judges, investors, and stakeholders in a nationally recognised competition.
Awards & Post-Programme Support – Winners receive seed funding, mentorship, and access to alumni networks.
Impact to Date
Student applications across two editions.
Ventures supported with seed funding and mentorship.
Students engaged through entrepreneurship outreach and workshops.
A strong alumni community whose ventures are tackling issues in agribusiness, health, education, and technology.
Success Stories

As a finalist in 2019, Amina used NSVP’s seed funding to establish a small agribusiness that now supplies her local community with affordable food products.
Amina – Agribusiness Innovator

In the 2021 edition, Tunde developed a mobile solution that provides students with reliable health information. With mentorship from NSVP, his platform is now being piloted across three universities.
Tunde – Health Tech Entrepreneur
Partnerships and Support
From inception, NSVP has thrived through the support of forward-thinking organisations, universities, and individuals who believe in the power of student entrepreneurship. Partnerships have enabled us to scale the programme, expand its reach, and provide meaningful opportunities to young Nigerians.
How to Get Involved
Students
Apply to the next NSVP edition to turn your ideas into reality.
Mentors
Share your expertise and support student entrepreneurs.
Organisations
Collaborate with us to fund, train, and accelerate youth ventures.
Who can apply?
Students currently enrolled in accredited Nigerian tertiary institutions.
What type of ventures are supported?
Any innovative idea that addresses social, economic, or environmental challenges and demonstrates sustainability.
How often is NSVP organised?
The programme has so far been organised in 2019 and 2021, with future editions planned to scale nationwide.
How is NSVP funded?
Through partnerships, sponsorships, and donations.
NSVP: Building Nigeria’s Future, One Student Venture at a Time
The Nigerian Student Venture Prize is more than a competition — it is a movement. By investing in student entrepreneurs, we are creating job creators, innovators, and problem-solvers who will shape Nigeria’s future. With two successful editions (2019 and 2021) already behind us, we are ready to scale our impact and inspire the next generation.