Policy Challenge 2026 for Nigerian Undergraduates (Up to ₦2 Million Grant)

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Applications are open for Policy Challenge 2026. Policy Challenge is a national competition designed to empower Nigerian undergraduates to develop innovative policy solutions to pressing national challenges. The challenge provides students with an opportunity to showcase critical thinking, research, and policy development skills while competing for grants worth up to ₦2 million.

The Policy Challenge is a competition convening Africa’s brightest young minds (thinkers, & emerging leaders) in tertiary institutions to propose well-researched, innovative policy ideas to Nigeria’s most pressing governance and development challenges.

The initiative invites undergraduates to engage in rigorous policy thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Participants develop evidence-based proposals that addresses a center theme, while gaining exposure to the processes that shape public policy.

Through the competition, participants strengthen their ability to analyze complex problems, design implementable policy solutions, and communicate ideas that can influence decision-making. The Policy Challenge also provides opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and engagement with experts working across policy, governance, academia, and development.

Policy Challenge Benefits

Prizes: ₦2,000,000 Grand Prize.
Mentorship: Work with policy experts and researchers.
National Recognition: Present your policy at the Abuja Policy Conference.
Publication: Your proposal will be published in the Policy Challenge Compendium.

Prize:

1st Place: N2,000,000 + 3-month Paid Internship
2nd Place: N1,000,000
3rd Place: N750,000
Top (10) Finalists: Will have their proposals published in the 2026 Policy Challenge Compendium

Eligibility Criteria

Open to: Undergraduate students currently enrolled (full-time or part-time) in a Nigerian tertiary institution during the 2025/2026 academic year.
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old by August 2026.
Team Structure: Minimum of 2 members, maximum of 4 per team. All team members must be from the same tertiary institution.
Finalist Commitment: All team members must be available to attend the Policy Conference in Abuja on August 12, 2026 if selected.