GistReel
The National Association of Nigerian Students has launched applications for the 2026 edition of its entrepreneurship program, NANSInnovate, which allows student entrepreneurs to compete for funds to expand their enterprises.
In a Monday statement, NANS National President Akinteye Babatunde launched the program’s application process, asking Nigerian students with business ideas or existing companies to apply.
According to the group, the project aims to discover and encourage students who start enterprises in Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, and institutions of higher education.
Afeez stated that the program would allow student entrepreneurs to submit their ideas to investors, business executives, and industry experts.
He stated, “Across our campuses are talented young Nigerians with ideas for solving problems, creating jobs, and launching great enterprises. Unfortunately, many of these concepts never leave the classroom due to restricted opportunities and financing.”
He continued, “NANSInnovate 2026 is our solution to that challenge. We are creating a nationwide platform where invention will be rewarded, creativity will be promoted, and promising student entrepreneurs will be given the resources they need to succeed.”
The program will culminate in a nationwide pitch competition, where the top 20 finalists will compete for cash awards worth millions of naira.
Afeez encouraged qualified students to seize the chance, stating, “At the end of the competition, the top 20 student entrepreneurs will go home with cash prizes worth millions of naira to support and expand their businesses.”
Who can apply for the NANS business funding application
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens who are currently enrolled in a recognized university, polytechnic, or college of education in one of the 36 states or the Federal Capital Territory.
Applicants must either have a current business or a business idea that they intend to pursue.
A valid student ID is necessary, and applicants must submit a business proposal in Microsoft Word format.
What documents are required?
Applicants need to provide:
- A valid student identification card in JPG, PNG, or PDF format.
- A business proposal in MS Word (.docx) format.
- A business plan of no more than ten pages.
- The proposal must be in Times New Roman font, size 12, with single-line spacing.
- The proposal should not exceed 5MB.
- Applicants with CAC or SMEDAN credentials may also submit them; however, these are optional.
How to apply for the NANS business funding application
Students can apply for the NANS business funding application program at the NANSInnovate portal. Before inputting information about their firms, they must first provide their personal and school information.
They will then choose a business category and specify whether the venture is an established business or a fresh concept.
The possible categories include:
- Production/Manufacturing
- Trading/Merchandise
- Services
- Agriculture
Before submitting the application, applicants must upload their student ID and a business idea.
They will also be needed to provide a 100-word pitch outlining the business, why it is important, and how the applicant intends to use the funds.
After submitting the application, applicants will be given a unique entry number that they can use to check the status of their application.
NANS advised applicants to save or screenshot the code for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NANS business funding application free?
Yes, NANS stated that the application is absolutely free and cautioned students against making payments to anyone associated with the service.
The association stated that anyone soliciting payment for entrance should be flagged as a scam and reported.
What does NANSInnovate offer?
According to NANS, the program will last one week and will involve instructional sessions, networking opportunities, and mentorship.
Participants will get the opportunity to meet with investors, industry leaders, and other student entrepreneurs.
The program will also include one-on-one mentoring and a nationwide pitch competition in which the top 20 finalists will compete for company funding.
NANS stated that the program was established to bring together students who are already starting enterprises and allow them to grow and expand their ventures.
Afeez stated, “On behalf of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) National Headquarters, I invite every eligible student to register and be part of this historic initiative.”
“The next great Nigerian business could begin here, and the next successful entrepreneur could be you,” he said.