The Federal Government has officially launched the Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme in 14 federal universities, with plans to expand it to all federal universities by 2027 and all federal tertiary institutions by 2028.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, made the announcement on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of the initiative, describing it as a significant shift in Nigeria’s education system toward innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
“Today marks not just the launch of a programme, but the beginning of a new paradigm in Nigeria’s education system, one that shifts our young people from job-seekers to job-creators, from passive learners to active innovators, and from graduates to nation builders,” Alausa said.
He emphasised that the programme comes at a crucial time, noting the need to harness the potential of Nigeria’s youthful population while addressing the limitations of traditional education models.
Highlighting rapid technological changes and their impact on industries, he warned that failing to prepare young people for these shifts risks widening the gap between education and employability.
“The world is changing rapidly. Technology is reshaping industries, and many traditional jobs are disappearing.
Even as new opportunities emerge, if we do not prepare our young people adequately, we risk widening the gap between education and employability,” he said.
The EIBIC programme aims to integrate entrepreneurship training across academic disciplines.
Alausa cited the University of Lagos as an ongoing example of how the initiative can equip students with practical skills in innovation, business planning, financial literacy, and venture development, enabling them to establish sustainable enterprises even before graduation.
He linked the programme to President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic vision, saying, “EIBIC aligns with our national priorities.
This initiative aligns perfectly with the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a resilient, knowledge-driven, and innovation-led economy.”
The programme will be implemented in phases, initially launching in 14 universities, including the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos, Bayero University Kano, Uthman Danfodio 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.
“Today, EIBIC is being rolled out in 14 universities. By next year, all federal universities will be onboarded, including some federal polytechnics and Colleges of Education.
By the end of 2028, all our federal tertiary institutions will be fully onboarded,” the minister said.
Alausa also highlighted the Student Venture Capital Grant, revealing overwhelming interest from Nigerian youths.
“On Sunday, we will be choosing 63 people who will benefit from the Student Venture Capital Grant. Guess how many people applied? 36,000 young entrepreneurs applied,” he noted.
The minister directed vice-chancellors of participating institutions to fast-track the programme’s approval within their senates.
“I am directing you all on or before the end of April; all your senators must approve this programme.
This is a directive that I am not going to take lightly. I will call, and there will be consequences because we are in a hurry to get this programme to our youth,” he warned.
Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos and Chairman of the EIBIC Planning and Monitoring Committee, described the initiative as a transformative step toward aligning education with national economic goals.
“This landmark initiative by the Minister marks a transformative leap in repositioning Nigerian education as a true driver of national economic development,” Ishaya said.
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He added that the programme complements existing funding opportunities for student entrepreneurs and strengthens the link between academic learning and market needs.
“By focusing on practical skills acquisition, innovation-driven thinking, and structured incubation, it is not just satisfying individuals.
It is building a new generation of job creators, innovators, and industrial leaders,” Ishaya said.
The launch attracted key stakeholders from across the education sector, with expectations that EIBIC will play a significant role in reducing youth unemployment and promoting sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
The mandatory programme runs alongside students’ academic curricula, beginning in the first year and continuing through graduation.
It includes orientation, continuous entrepreneurship training, mentorship, incubation, and access to funding opportunities.
Students follow a structured path from idea development to venture creation, building sustainable businesses before completing their degrees.
Upon graduation, participants receive an additional certification in entrepreneurship alongside their academic qualifications.