The Federal Government has officially launched the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme in 14 universities, with plans to expand it nationwide by 2028, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to higher education and youth empowerment.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, announced the launch on Friday in Abuja, describing the initiative as a bold move to reposition Nigeria’s education system toward innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable 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,” he said.
The EIBIC programme is being introduced at a time when concerns about youth unemployment and the relevance of traditional education models continue to grow. According to the minister, the programme is designed to directly address these concerns by embedding practical entrepreneurial training into the academic journey of students from their first year through to graduation.
Alausa emphasised that the world is undergoing rapid technological transformation, with industries evolving at a pace that traditional academic systems have struggled to match. He warned that failure to adapt could further widen 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 newly launched programme will run concurrently with students’ academic studies and is structured to provide continuous exposure to entrepreneurship. It includes orientation programmes, hands-on training, mentorship, incubation support, and access to funding opportunities.
Students enrolled in the programme will be guided through a structured pathway that begins with idea development and progresses to venture creation. By the time they graduate, participants are expected to have developed viable business ideas or even established functioning enterprises.
In addition to their academic degrees, students who complete the programme will receive a certification in entrepreneurship, further strengthening their capacity to operate within Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
The first phase of the rollout covers 14 federal 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.
According to the minister, the rollout will be implemented in phases, with a clear expansion timeline already in place. By 2027, the programme is expected to cover all federal universities, including selected polytechnics and colleges of education. By 2028, it will extend to all federal tertiary institutions across the country.
“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,” Alausa stated.
The initiative is also closely aligned with the economic agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the development of a resilient, knowledge-driven, and innovation-led economy.
“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 minister added.
Complementing the launch of the programme is the introduction of the Student Venture Capital Grant, an initiative aimed at providing financial support to young entrepreneurs. The level of interest in the grant has already highlighted the growing appetite for entrepreneurship among 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,” Alausa revealed.
To ensure swift implementation, the minister directed vice-chancellors of participating universities to secure approval for the programme within their institutional senates before the end of April, stressing the urgency of the initiative.
“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.
Also speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos and Chairman of the EIBIC Planning and Monitoring Committee, Tanko Ishaya, described the programme as a transformative intervention that aligns education with national economic development goals.
“This landmark initiative by the Minister marks a transformative leap in repositioning Nigerian education as a true driver of national economic development,” he said.
He further noted that the programme would strengthen the link between academic learning and real-world market needs, while fostering innovation, enterprise, and industrial leadership among students.
“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 added.
With its structured approach, national rollout plan, and integration into the academic system, the EIBIC programme represents a major policy shift aimed at equipping Nigerian students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
