The Federal Government on Friday unveiled the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme in 14 universities, with plans to extend it to all federal universities by 2027 and all federal tertiary institutions by 2028.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, disclosed this during the official launch of the initiative in Abuja, describing it as a major shift aimed at transforming graduates into job creators.
Alausa said the programme represented a new direction for Nigeria’s education system, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise development among students.
He noted that the initiative comes at a critical time when technological changes are reshaping industries and making traditional job pathways less certain.
According to him, the programme will equip students with practical competencies in innovation, business planning, financial literacy and venture development to enable them to build sustainable businesses before graduation.
“The world is changing rapidly. Technology is reshaping industries, and many traditional jobs are disappearing. If we do not prepare our young people adequately, we risk widening the gap between education and employability,” he said.
The minister said the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic vision of building a knowledge-driven and innovation-led economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the implementation would begin with 14 universities, including the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos, Bayero University Kano, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, University of Benin, University of Port Harcourt, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, University of Maiduguri, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and University of Abuja.
Alausa directed vice-chancellors of participating institutions to ensure their respective university senates approve the programme before the end of April.
He warned that the directive must be treated with urgency to fast-track implementation for students nationwide.
The minister also highlighted the Student Venture Capital Grant introduced by the ministry, revealing that about 36,000 young entrepreneurs had applied, while 63 beneficiaries would be selected.
Earlier, Chairman of the EIBIC Planning and Monitoring Committee and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, described the initiative as a major step toward aligning education with Nigeria’s economic development goals.
Ishaya said the programme would strengthen the link between academic learning and market needs while fostering innovation and enterprise among students.
He added that the certification programme would run alongside students’ academic studies from their first year until graduation.
According to him, participants will undergo continuous entrepreneurship training, receive mentorship and access incubation opportunities that support business creation.
He said that upon completion, students would receive an additional certification in entrepreneurship alongside their academic degrees.
Stakeholders at the launch expressed optimism that the programme would contribute to reducing youth unemployment and promoting sustainable economic growth in the country.
