In a bid to promote academic excellence and self-sustainability among young graduates, the Benue State Government has announced a startup grant initiative for first-class degree holders from the state who are currently unemployed.
The initiative, driven by the administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, aims to provide financial support to outstanding graduates to help them establish businesses or further their professional development. According to official statements, discussions are ongoing with private sector partners to establish an endowment fund to sustain the initiative.
The grants, which will be non-refundable, will range from N500,000 to N1,000,000 per recipient. The implementation will be phased over the next four years, with 25 beneficiaries selected annually, totaling 100 recipients by the end of the program.
Furthermore, the government is making efforts to expand the beneficiary net by seeking additional support from external donors. Private individuals and organizations willing to contribute can either donate to the general fund or nominate specific beneficiaries.
In addition to financial empowerment, the government plans to collaborate with relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations to facilitate job placements for the beneficiaries.
The collation of a database of first-class graduates is currently underway, and by the last quarter of 2025, the first batch of beneficiaries will be publicly announced.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to recognizing academic excellence and creating opportunities for young graduates to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth.
