FG unveils innovation-driven programme to equip students with business skills, expand to all federal institutions by 2028

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme in 14 universities across the country.

The initiative is part of plans to expand the certification to all federal universities by 2027 and all federal tertiary institutions by 2028.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, during the official unveiling of the programme.

The minister described the initiative as a major shift in Nigeria’s education system toward innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

According to him, “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 further stated that the programme comes at a critical time when the country must harness the potential of its youthful population, noting that it will help address the limitations of traditional education models.

Alausa warned that rapid technological changes are disrupting industries and widening the gap between education and employability if proactive measures are not taken.

“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.

He emphasised that the EIBIC programme is designed to embed entrepreneurship across disciplines.

The programme will equip students with practical skills in innovation, business planning, financial literacy, and venture development, enabling them to build sustainable enterprises even before graduation.

The initiative is also linked to President Bola Tinubu’s economic vision and is part of a broader strategy to build a knowledge-driven and innovation-led economy.

According to the minister, the programme will be implemented in phases, beginning with 14 universities, including the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos, Bayero University Kano, Usmanu Danfodiyo 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 the University of Abuja.

The minister also highlighted the introduction of a Student Venture Capital Grant by the ministry to support emerging student-led businesses and tap into the strong entrepreneurial drive among Nigerian youths.

Alausa has directed vice-chancellors of participating institutions to fast-track approval of the programme within their respective senates.