About this opportunity
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its innovation and entrepreneurship competition, NANSInnovate 2026 . The initiative is designed to support Nigerian students with innovative business ideas and existing ventures by providing access to funding opportunities, investors, industry experts and business leaders.
Announcing the opening of applications, NANS National President, Comrade Akinteye Afeez, popularly known as BABTEE, encouraged students across the country to participate in the competition. According to him, the initiative was created to address the challenges faced by young Nigerians whose innovative ideas often struggle to move beyond the classroom due to limited access to funding, mentorship and business opportunities.
“Across our campuses are brilliant young Nigerians with ideas that can solve problems, create jobs and build successful businesses. Unfortunately, many of these ideas never go beyond the classroom because of limited opportunities and access to funding,” Afeez said.
He explained that NANSInnovate 2026 would provide a national platform for student entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, connect with investors and receive support to grow their ventures. “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,” he added. What Participants Stand to Gain The competition will give participating students the opportunity to: Pitch their business ideas to investors and industry experts.
Connect with business leaders and potential investors. Gain exposure for their innovative ideas and ventures.
Access funding opportunities to support business growth. Receive recognition for their entrepreneurial efforts.
Compete for cash prizes worth millions of naira. The NANS president said the top 20 student entrepreneurs will receive cash prizes to support and expand their businesses.
The competition is open to eligible Nigerian students nationwide, including those with promising business ideas as well as students already running existing ventures. Afeez urged students with innovative ideas to take advantage of the opportunity and register for the competition.
“The next great Nigerian business could begin here, and the next successful entrepreneur could be you,” he said.
Application steps
Interested students can register through the NANS innovation platform. Application Portal: https://grants.
nanshq. org
Who can apply
- eligible Nigerian students nationwide, including those with promising business ideas as well as students already running existing ventures
Sources and verification
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