The Federal Government has introduced the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification programme as part of efforts to reduce graduate unemployment and reposition higher education toward enterprise development. The initiative is designed to equip students with practical skills that enable them to create businesses rather than depend solely on formal employment.
Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the programme as a structural shift in Nigeria’s education system. He said the reform reflects changing global conditions where technology is redefining industries and limiting traditional job opportunities.
“Today marks not just the launch of a programme, but the beginning of a new paradigm in Nigeria’s education system.
“This programme will shift our young people from passive learners to active innovators and from graduates to nation builders,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the contributions of universities, the National Universities Commission, TETFund, industry stakeholders and directors of entrepreneurship centres in supporting the rollout. He stressed that Nigeria’s large youth population presents both an opportunity and a challenge, noting that conventional academic models are no longer sufficient to tackle unemployment.
Alausa explained that the programme integrates entrepreneurship training across disciplines such as engineering, medicine, law, sciences and the creative arts. The goal is to ensure that students gain business-oriented skills alongside academic knowledge.
“Under the programme, students would acquire practical skills in innovation, business planning, financial literacy and venture development while still in school.
“EIBIC enables students to convert knowledge, talent and passion into viable enterprises even before graduation,” he said.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s broader economic agenda and the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which seeks to strengthen STEMM education, deepen skills acquisition and improve collaboration between academia and industry. It is also expected to position education as a direct contributor to economic growth.
The programme will follow a phased structure. Students at entry level will be introduced to entrepreneurship concepts, while intermediate stages will focus on skill development. At advanced levels, participants will receive incubation support, mentorship and guidance to build and scale business ventures.
According to the minister, the programme has already commenced in 14 federal universities as part of its first phase. Expansion plans include onboarding all federal universities, selected polytechnics and colleges of education by 2027, with full adoption targeted for 2028. Vice chancellors have been directed to secure institutional approval for integration before the end of April.
Alausa also called on lecturers, private sector players and investors to support the initiative through mentorship and funding, while urging students to take advantage of the opportunities provided.
Providing further insight, the programme’s subject matter expert, Prof Sunday Adebisi of the University of Lagos, said the initiative would bridge the gap between education and industry by aligning training with real economic needs. He noted that students would be guided to turn skills, interests and academic knowledge into viable enterprises through structured incubation systems.
“The initiative is expected to support wealth creation by encouraging sustainable enterprises capable of generating income and expanding opportunities across communities,” he siad.
In addition, private sector participation is already emerging. Mr Debo Olujimi, Chief Executive Officer of EMADEB Energy and founder of Ibom Upstream, pledged N200 million to support student entrepreneurs across universities in the six geopolitical zones.
The selected institutions for the pilot phase cut across the country, ensuring broad representation and laying the foundation for nationwide implementation.
