UDUS Chemistry Graduate, Amidu Muhammad, Wins Nigeria Youth Academy’s N1 Million Startup Grant

Amidu Muhammad, a graduate of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), has emerged as a beneficiary of the Nigeria Youth Academy (NiYA) Start-Up Pitch 2.0 Grant Programme, securing a ₦1 million grant for his climate-technology startup, PlastiBuild Creative Solutions Limited.

The grant was presented at a ceremony held at the State House, Abuja, where selected youth-led startups and informal-sector beneficiaries across the country were recognized for innovations addressing economic and environmental challenges. 

The event was attended by senior government officials and stakeholders, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented the President; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; and the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.

Discussions also focused on the launch of NiYA Gigs, a digital platform aimed at expanding access to local and global work opportunities for young Nigerians.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, said the NiYA Start-Up Grant 2.0 and the launch of NiYA Gigs were part of efforts to build an inclusive youth-driven economy.

According to President Tinubu’s Minister, recent policy reforms, particularly in regulatory review, taxation and access to finance, were designed to improve the business environment for young entrepreneurs. He said the administration’s youth-focused interventions were aimed at expanding opportunities across sectors.

Speaking further, Minister Olawande noted that over 200 youth-led startups benefitted from the programme, receiving ₦1 million each, while an additional 100 beneficiaries in the informal sector received ₦500,000 in direct financial support. He added that NiYA Gigs was expected to complete an ecosystem that moves young people from learning to building and earning.

Amidu, who graduated in 2021 with a degree in Chemistry Education from the Department of Science and Vocational Education, Faculty of Education and Extension Services, UDUS, was selected for his work in waste management and climate-tech innovation. His startup focuses on converting plastic waste into reusable materials, contributing to environmental sustainability and value creation within the circular economy.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PlastiBuild Creative Solutions Limited, Amidu said the idea behind the venture was shaped by early exposure to waste-management challenges in urban communities.

PlastiBuild deploys technology-driven solutions aimed at reducing plastic pollution while creating employment opportunities.

VANGUARD PRESS understands that his participation in the NiYA programme followed a competitive selection process that required applicants to submit a short pitch video outlining their innovation, impact and personal journey. 

During the process, participants were also required to complete an entrepreneurship training programme hosted on the NiYA digital platform.

“The process was rigorous and focused on innovation, impact and sustainability. It was not just about the idea, but how the solution addresses real problems,” Amidu explained.

Amidu noted that while the grant amount may be modest given prevailing economic conditions, it would support critical aspects of the startup’s development. 

He called for sustained institutional and policy support for climate-tech and waste-management startups, stressing the importance of youth-led innovation in addressing Nigeria’s environmental and employment challenges.