LAGOS — As the 2025/2026 academic session continues to place an unprecedented financial strain on Nigerian households, innovative e-commerce platform Selar has launched the third edition of its Smart Hustle Initiative. By committing ₦10 million in tuition support, the company aims to provide 150 students with a “legitimate path” to success, directly challenging the growing culture of internet fraud.
The initiative comes at a critical time when university and secondary school fees have reportedly spiked by up to 200%, leaving many families at a crossroads between education and economic desperation.
The Grant Structure: Targeting “Key Transitions”
Selar is strategically focusing its support on students at pivotal moments in their academic lives—the “jump” from secondary school to university, and the final push into the professional world.
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Tertiary Category: 50 final-year university and polytechnic students will receive ₦100,000 each.
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Secondary Category: 100 SS3 students preparing for their WAEC and JAMB exams will receive ₦50,000 each.
Application Timeline:
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Opens: February 24, 2026
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Closes: March 13, 2026
A Response to the “Fraud Culture”
For Selar CEO Douglas Kendyson, this isn’t just about charity; it’s a proactive strike against cybercrime. Kendyson believes that hopelessness is a primary driver for young people entering the “fraud cycle.”
“The Smart Hustle Initiative is our response to the fraud culture in Nigeria. Hopelessness is very dangerous… if this fund can give hope for them to keep their heads up, it would be money well spent.”
— Douglas Kendyson, CEO of Selar
Beyond the immediate grants, Selar plans to expand the initiative into a national movement involving digital skills workshops, financial literacy training, and ethical income mentorship.
Eligibility & How to Apply
To ensure the funds reach those who truly need it and possess the merit to succeed, the selection process involves an independent committee review.
| Level | Key Requirements |
| University/Poly | Final-year student, 3.0 CGPA (or 65% avg), Video Statement of Purpose, Transcript. |
| Secondary (SS3) | Proof of SS3 status (1st term results), WAEC/JAMB registration, Video Application. |
The Economic Context: Rising Fees (2025/2026)
The surge in school fees has been a recurring headline throughout the current session. For example, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) recently settled on a 60% increase in charges after weeks of student protests. Meanwhile, private primary and secondary school costs have more than doubled in urban centers like Lagos and Abuja, driven by inflation and operational expenses.
Selar’s initiative offers a vital “cushion” for students who might otherwise fall through the cracks of this economic crunch.
