The Federal Government has officially launched the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) program, aiming to reform Nigeria’s higher education system to better support innovation, promote enterprise development, and amplify job creation.
The unveiling took place in Abuja on Friday, led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa. The initiative will commence in 14 federal universities, with intentions to extend its reach to all federal universities by 2027 and all federal tertiary institutions by 2028.
A key aspect of this program is its requirement for students enrolled in the participating institutions to obtain an additional entrepreneurship certification alongside their primary academic degrees, thereby equipping them with vital skills to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.
Dr. Alausa characterized this initiative as a proactive measure responding to the diminishing traditional job prospects and the increasing impact of technology across various sectors.
“This marks not just the introduction of a new program but heralds a transformative shift in Nigeria’s education framework,” he stated. “This initiative aims to transition our youth from passive learners to proactive innovators and from graduates to builders of the nation.”
He further emphasized the importance of adequately preparing young individuals, cautioning that without appropriate measures, the divide between education and employability could widen. Thus, EIBIC is viewed as both timely and essential.
The new program seeks to surpass the traditional entrepreneurship education model by integrating innovation and enterprise training into all disciplines, such as engineering, medicine, law, sciences, and creative arts.
Under the EIBIC structure, students will begin their entrepreneurship education in their first year, build intermediate skills during their second and third years, and culminate their learning with comprehensive business incubation and venture establishment in their final year.
“EIBIC empowers students to transform their knowledge, skills, and passions into sustainable businesses even prior to their graduation,” he explained.
The selected universities for the initial rollout include prominent institutions like the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos, Bayero University Kano, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, and several others.
Dr. Alausa has instructed the Vice Chancellors of these universities to attain Senate approval for the full implementation of this program before the conclusion of April.
“This is a directive I take very seriously. We are committed to quick action for the benefit of our youth,” he asserted.
Moreover, the minister highlighted that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which focus on strengthening education in STEMM fields, enhancing skills acquisition, and fostering collaboration between educational institutions and industries.
To further bolster student-driven innovation, the Federal Government has initiated a Student Venture Capital Grant, which has received over 36,000 applications nationally, with 63 finalists selected for financial support.
The initiative is supported by the Bank of Industry, which has secured a $50 million grant aimed at venture financing and is anticipated to provide up to ₦1 billion in low-interest loans to assist student businesses.
“Education forms the foundation of any community,” he remarked. “We are fortunate to have a President who has equipped us with all necessary resources to make this transformation possible.”
Stakeholders at the launch praised the initiative, deeming it a crucial intervention to combat youth unemployment and enhance graduate employability. Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, noted that EIBIC represents a structured approach to generating job creators and aligning education with the practical needs of the economy.
“This program is focused on empowering individuals with the skills needed in entrepreneurship, innovation, and business incubation,” he stated.
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