With this, the innovative e-commerce store builder empowering creators to monetise their knowledge and skills as digital products, is expanding  its reach to both secondary and tertiary students across Nigeria.

The initiative reiterates the company’s focus on tackling fraud at its roots by providing education and legitimate opportunities for young people.

This year, Selar is committing N10 million to support 150 students at critical stages of their academic journey.

Fifty final-year university and polytechnic students will each receive N100,000, while 100 SS3 students preparing for WAEC and JAMB exams will receive N50,000 each. Applications open February 24 and close March 13, 2026.

The Smart Hustle Initiative operates on the belief that preventing fraud starts with access to education and legitimate income pathways.

With school fees becoming more expensive, reports reveal a 200% increase in Nigeria, many families are unable to afford education.

Selar’s program aims to ease these issues while empowering students to pursue lawful, rewarding opportunities.

Beyond grants, the initiative is evolving into a larger movement. Selar plans nationwide campaigns, community engagement programs, and partnerships to groom young Nigerians with digital skills, financial literacy, and ethical income opportunities.

“There is so much to the fraud culture in Nigeria today, and the Smart Hustle Initiative is our response to it,” said Douglas Kendyson, CEO of Selar.

“Our big goal is to reduce the number of people drawn into fraud while offering legitimate pathways to success. This fund is a very small piece of the puzzle. It’s a simple cushion for students needing support.  

“Hopelessness is very dangerous for parents and students alike, and if this fund can give hope for them to keep their head up, it would be money well spent.”

In targeting students at key transitions, from SS3 exams to final-year tertiary studies, Selar hopes to reduce the financial stress that can push students out of school or toward fraudulent activities.

The initiative is built as a long-term investment in Nigeria’s youth and an important step toward promoting education as a credible path to economic mobility.

Eligibility requirements for the university category include:

• Final-year enrollment in an accredited Nigerian institution
• Minimum CGPA of 3.0 or 65% cumulative grade
• Proven financial need
• Submission of a video statement of purpose, valid student ID, and latest transcript

For secondary school applicants, proof of SS3 status or recent school results, WAEC or JAMB registration, and a video application are required.

Applications are reviewed by an independent selection committee, with beneficiaries notified after evaluation.

Call for Volunteers

Selar is also calling on individuals and communities to participate as volunteers, helping young people gain life skills, media awareness, and financial literacy alongside ethical income pathways.

Hosted at the prestigious Oluremi Tinubu Hall, the summit, themed “Beyond the Degree: Master • Create • Innovate”, served as a rallying point for technology leaders, government officials, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs, all united by a common goal — to equip students with tools to thrive in today’s competitive world.

PROGRAM IMPACT: EMPOWERING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE

This groundbreaking initiative was designed to orientate and empower students on how to navigate life through technology, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation. The summit emphasized the urgent need for Nigerian students to build sustainable skills that will make them employable, globally competitive, and self-reliant graduates.

Through keynote addresses, scholarship opportunities, and mentorship sessions, students gained firsthand exposure to industries driving economic transformation across Nigeria and beyond.

STUDENT WINS & SCHOLARSHIPS

₦1,000,000 Full Tech Scholarship Awards to three LASUED students from UR9 Group

Aviation Technology Scholarships from AEROPORT Company

Cash Giveaways and Full Product Management Scholarships to top-performing student innovators

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS AND THOUGHT LEADERS

STS 3.0 featured some of the nation’s most respected voices in tech, business, and policy, including: Dr. Oludayo Taiwo, MD, AEROPORT Company; Olabanji Ewenla, CEO, ENOVERLAB; Pascal Orizakwe, Career Strategist; Muhammad Lawal, CEO, EfficoAI; Melody Fidel, Entrepreneur & Tech Missionary; Mr. Peter Aideloje, CEO, SoftTechBro; Mr. Bakare Ifeoluwa, CEO, Daddy6ix Academy; Dr. Joseph Carew, CEO, Hommaston Ltd. and Dr. Uriel Ezeh, CEO, UR9 Group.

Representing the government were: The Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, ably represented by the SSA to the Governor; The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, represented by Dr. Bilal; Dr. Sunmonu Mathew, NASS Staff Adviser, LASUED

BRAND PARTNERS WHO POWERED THE SUMMIT

A host of national brands and institutions played a pivotal role in powering this movement, including: UR9 Group; ENOVERLAB; Office of the SSA to the President on Capacity Development; Techeconomy (Official Media Partner); Minimie Noodles, Munch It, Kellogg’s; AEROPORT Company; BWBS Education Consultant Agency; EfficoAI; SoftTechBro; Stability & Sustenance; BIZOACH and Embold Lab

A PRESIDENT’S VISION

In his address, Comr. Adegbite Daniel Damilare, President of NASS-LASUED, stated: “This summit is more than a one-time event — it is a wake-up call for every Nigerian student to begin building relevant, future-proof skills. We are raising innovators and leaders, not just graduates with certificates.”