The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched a plan to support youths in tertiary institutions with grants to promote entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment.
The CBN made this known on Wednesday in a report, titled ‘Guidelines for the implementation of tertiary institutions entrepreneurship scheme’.
“Five top Nigerian polytechnics and universities with the best entrepreneurial pitches/ideas shall be awarded as follows: first place – N150m; second place – N120m; third place – N100m; fourth place – N80m; and fifth place – N50m,” the apex bank said.
According to the bank, activities to be covered under the scheme would include innovative start-ups and existing businesses owned by graduates of Nigerian polytechnics and universities in areas such as agribusiness, information technology, creative industry, as well as science and technology.
READ ALSO: Finally, Nnamdi Kanu Brought To Court Amid Tight Security
The CBN listed agribusiness to include include production, processing, storage and logistics, while information technology would include application/software development, business process outsourcing, robotics and data management.
The creative industry,it stated, would include entertainment, artwork, publishing, culinary/event management, fashion, photography, beauty/cosmetics; while science and technology would include medical innovation, robotics, ticketing systems, traffic systems, renewable energy, and waste management.
The report added that the interest rate will be five per cent per annum and nine per cent effective from March 1, 2022 or as may be prescribed by the CBN.
The CBN said the beneficiary must apply on the dedicated online portal and provide all requisite documentation to support the application.
It highlighted that priority would be given to innovative entrepreneurial activities with high potential for export, job creation and transformational impact.
Disclaimer
Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vantage News Nigeria or any employee thereof.
