FG launches entrepreneurship certification in 14 federal universities

The federal government has launched the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme in 14 federal universities.

This newspaper gathers it was in plan to expand it to all federal universities by 2027 and all federal tertiary institutions by 2028.

Tunji Alausa, the minister of education unveiled the initiative on Friday in Abuja, describing it as a transformative shift in Nigeria’s education system.

“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 stressed the urgency of equipping students to navigate rapid technological changes and disruptions in the labour market.

“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 is designed to embed entrepreneurship across disciplines, providing students with practical skills in innovation, business planning, financial literacy, and venture development.

Participating universities include the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos, Bayero University Kano, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, and University of Abuja, among others.

“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 said.

The minister also highlighted the student venture capital grant, which has attracted remarkable interest 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,” he revealed.

Prof. Tanko Ishaya, vice-chancellor of the University of Jos and chairman of the EIBIC planning and monitoring committee described the programme as a major step toward aligning education with national economic goals.

“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 initiative runs concurrently with students’ academic programmes, starting from the first year through graduation, and upon completion, participants receive an additional certification in entrepreneurship alongside their degree.