Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI) in Thinkers Corner, Enugu, is putting real money behind its students’ business ideas. The Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Christian Anieke, has announced a ₦9 million seed fund to help undergraduate and postgraduate students launch technology-driven and sustainable ventures in 2026.
The announcement came during a meeting that followed a courtesy visit by the Director of Entrepreneurship, Mr. Christopher Chidiebere Uwakwe, and his team. During the visit, they presented a giant cheque of ₦7 million to the Vice-Chancellor.
How the money is divided
The fund sits under the Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) initiative and is split by the type of project:
₦5 million for technology-driven projects by undergraduates
₦2 million for non-tech business ideas by undergraduates
₦2 million for postgraduate startups, under the STEP-S (Sustainability) project
A warning on spending
Fr. Anieke urged the student beneficiaries to be creative, disciplined and careful with money. He cautioned them against using the funds for personal expenses, stressing that accountability and prudent execution decide whether a business lasts.
Getting students ready
The announcement followed an orientation session by the Directorate of Entrepreneurship for 300-level students, designed to introduce them to the STEP-S programme. Mr. Uwakwe encouraged students to look beyond traditional academic paths, noting that STEP has helped GOUNI graduates set up viable businesses and become employers of labour. Ms. Cynthia Okoli then walked students through the implementation schedule, key procedures and requirements for carrying out their projects.
Student representatives thanked the university management and promised to make the most of the seed capital.
For a student with a good idea but no money to start, funding like this can be the difference between a plan on paper and a working business.
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