Abuja, Nigeria — The federal government of Nigeria has introduced the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification programme in 14 public universities, with plans to extend the initiative to all federal universities by 2027 and all federal tertiary institutions by 2028.
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the rollout on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. He described the initiative as a significant change in the country’s education approach, shifting focus toward innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. Okay News reports that the programme aims to equip students with practical skills to start businesses before graduation.
“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 minister said the initiative comes at a time when Nigeria must harness the potential of its large youth population while addressing the limitations of traditional academic training. He warned that rapid technological changes are reshaping industries and widening the gap between education and employment opportunities.
“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.
Dr. Alausa explained that the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification, also known as EIBIC, is designed to integrate entrepreneurship into all academic disciplines. He cited ongoing implementation at the University of Lagos, located in Lagos State in southwestern Nigeria, as an example of how the programme can operate.
According to him, the initiative will provide students with skills in innovation, business planning, financial literacy, and venture development. These competencies are intended to enable students to build sustainable enterprises while still studying.
The minister also linked the programme to the economic agenda of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the initiative as part of broader efforts to build a 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,” Alausa said.
The first phase includes the University of Lagos in Lagos State; Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State; University of Jos in Plateau State; Bayero University Kano in Kano State; Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto State; University of Benin in Edo State; University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State; Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State; University of Ibadan in Oyo State; University of Maiduguri in Borno State; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi State; University of Nigeria Nsukka in Enugu State; Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State; and University of Abuja in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
He said the rollout would continue in phases. “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.”
The minister also highlighted the Student Venture Capital Grant, which has attracted strong interest from young Nigerians. “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 said.
Dr. Alausa directed vice chancellors of participating universities to secure approval for the programme before the end of April 2026. “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.
Earlier, Chairman of the EIBIC Planning and Monitoring Committee and Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, said the initiative aligns education with national economic objectives. He noted that it would strengthen links between academic learning and market needs while encouraging innovation among students.
The programme is mandatory and runs alongside students’ academic studies from the first year until graduation. It includes orientation, continuous entrepreneurship training, incubation support, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Participants who complete the programme will receive an additional certification in entrepreneurship alongside their degrees.
