The Federal Government has introduced a new Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification programme across 14 Nigerian universities, in a move aimed at transforming students into job creators and innovators.
Speaking at the official unveiling in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a major shift in the country’s education system.
“This is not just the launch of a programme, but the beginning of a new paradigm in Nigeria’s education system—one that moves our young people from job seekers to job creators,” he said.
Alausa explained that the programme comes at a critical time when rapid technological advancements are reshaping industries and rendering many traditional jobs obsolete.
“If we fail to prepare our young people adequately, we risk widening the gap between education and employability,” he warned.
According to the minister, the EIBIC programme is designed to integrate entrepreneurship into all fields of study, equipping students with practical skills such as business planning, financial literacy, innovation, and venture development.
He noted that students would be supported to build sustainable businesses even before graduation.
The initiative will be rolled out in phases, starting with 14 universities, including the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and University of Abuja, among others.
“By 2027, all federal universities will be onboarded, and by 2028, the programme will cover all federal tertiary institutions,” Alausa added.
The minister also linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that it aligns with efforts to build a knowledge-driven and innovation-led economy.
As part of the programme, the government has introduced a Student Venture Capital Grant to support young entrepreneurs.
“We received 36,000 applications, and 63 beneficiaries will be selected,” he revealed, highlighting the strong interest among Nigerian youths.
Alausa further directed vice-chancellors of participating institutions to ensure swift approval of the programme within their respective senates.
“All approvals must be completed before the end of April. This directive will be taken seriously because we are in a hurry to deliver results,” he said.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos and Chairman of the EIBIC Planning and Monitoring Committee, Tanko Ishaya, described the initiative as a significant step toward aligning education with national economic priorities.
“This programme represents a transformative leap in repositioning education as a driver of economic development,” he stated.
Ishaya added that the initiative would strengthen the link between academic learning and market demands while fostering innovation among students.
The EIBIC programme is structured to run alongside students’ academic work from their first year to graduation.
It includes orientation, continuous entrepreneurship training, mentorship, incubation support, and access to funding opportunities.
Upon completion, participants will receive an additional certification in entrepreneurship alongside their academic degrees.
