Startup Abuja Launches ₦50m Scholarship Programme

Startup Abuja has launched a ₦50 million nationwide scholarship programme to support students in Nigerian tertiary institutions while helping them develop skills needed in the changing global job market. The programme is open to students at universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across Nigeria. Successful applicants will receive full tuition sponsorship for one academic session, monthly stipends for six months, and access to paid remote internships and entrepreneurship programmes. The scholarship also includes training in professional and in-demand skills, alongside financial literacy coaching covering saving, investment and personal financial management.

Scholarship Combines Funding With Skills Development

Startup Abuja said the programme is intended to address both the financial pressures facing students and the growing demand for employability skills. Rather than focusing only on tuition support, the initiative is designed to help students move from tertiary education into employment, entrepreneurship and the global workforce.

Startup Abuja Executive Director Chigozie Ezugwu said improving access to education remains important to the development of Africa’s digital economy.

“The future of Africa’s digital economy relies entirely on our ability to democratise access to education. We are not just paying tuition fees; we are intentionally building a complete pipeline that takes a Nigerian student from the classroom straight into the global workspace with real-world experience and capital support.”

There is no minimum CGPA requirement for applicants. Instead, Startup Abuja will consider academic potential, leadership qualities and an interest in innovation. The programme is open to students enrolled in any Nigerian tertiary institution, regardless of their field of study.

Startup Abuja said the programme comes as students face increasing financial pressure while employers demand a wider range of digital and professional skills. The organisation also wants the initiative to help young Nigerians develop solutions to local challenges while competing for opportunities in the global economy.