FG Rolls Out Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certification Across 14 Universities

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme in 14 federal universities, with plans to expand to all federal tertiary institutions by 2028.

Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, described the initiative as a transformative step in shifting students from job-seekers to job-creators.

“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 emphasized that the initiative addresses the widening gap between education and employability caused by rapid technological changes.

The EIBIC programme will embed entrepreneurship across disciplines, equipping students with skills in innovation, business planning, financial literacy, and venture development. Alausa explained that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a knowledge-driven, 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,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos and Chairman of the EIBIC Planning Committee, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, praised the programme as transformative. “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,” he said.

The programme will run concurrently with academic studies, starting from the first year through graduation, with students receiving a certification in entrepreneurship alongside their degrees. Early orientation, continuous training, access to incubation, mentorship, and venture funding are central to the initiative, aimed at reducing youth unemployment and fostering economic growth.

Alausa also revealed strong interest in the Student Venture Capital Grant, noting that 36,000 young entrepreneurs applied for 63 available spots. He urged vice-chancellors to fast-track programme approval, warning of consequences for delays.