The National Association of Nigerian Students has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its entrepreneurship programme, NANSInnovate, offering student entrepreneurs an opportunity to compete for funding to grow their businesses. The initiative is designed to identify and support students running businesses across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria.
“National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) formerly called National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) is a students’ union bringing together Nigerian students both within Nigeria and across the diaspora. NUNS was founded in 1956, following structural changes in the West African Students’ Union. It brought together student councils in Ife, Zaria, and Nsukka. The NANS National President, Akinteye Babatunde, announced the opening of applications in a Monday statement inviting Nigerian students with business ideas or existing ventures to participate in the programme.”
Application are currently open, with no deadline unannounced. Applicants must be Nigerian citizens currently enrolled in a recognised university, polytechnic or college of education in any of the 36 states or the Federal Capital Territory, and must possess business ideas or an existing business in, Production/Manufacturing, Trading/Merchandise, Services, and Agriculture.
Additionally, they must possess:
- A valid student ID card in JPG, PNG or PDF format.
- A business proposal in Microsoft Word (.docx) format.
- A business proposal of not more than 10 pages.
- Applicants who have CAC or SMEDAN certificates may also submit them, although the certificates are optional.
The proposal must use Times New Roman, size 12 font, with single-line spacing. Also, the proposal must not exceed 5MB.
“NANSInnovate 2026 is our response to that challenge. We are providing a national platform where innovation will be rewarded, creativity will be encouraged and promising student entrepreneurs will receive the support they need to grow.The programme will culminate in a national pitch competition involving the top 20 finalists, who will compete for cash prizes worth millions of naira.”
NANS said the application is completely free and warned students against making payments to anyone in connection with the programme. The association stated that anyone requesting payment for entry should be treated as a scam and reported.
Click on the link to apply.
