In a move aimed at transforming Nigerian graduates into job creators rather than job seekers, the Federal Government has introduced the Entrepreneurship Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) in 14 federal universities. The initiative seeks to equip students with practical entrepreneurial skills, allowing them to address societal challenges and contribute to economic growth even during their undergraduate studies.
The selected universities represent all six geopolitical zones and include University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Jos, Bayero University, Kano, Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, University of Benin, University of Port-Harcourt, and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Others are University of Ibadan, University of Maiduguri, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and University of Abuja.
The 14 vice-chancellors of the universities have been instructed to secure senate approval for the programme by the end of April, with non-compliance attracting sanctions. Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, speaking during the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, disclosed that all federal universities are expected to adopt the programme by 2027, while federal polytechnics and colleges of education will follow in 2028.
Dr. Alausa expressed optimism about students’ enthusiasm for the programme, urging them to seize the opportunity with creativity and determination. The initiative is designed to shift the focus of higher education towards hands-on entrepreneurship, enabling students to become innovators and job creators.
FG Embeds Entrepreneurship Across University Degrees
Highlighting the early impact of the programme, the minister noted that the University of Lagos has already seen a surge in student-led startups, with some achieving unicorn status—startups valued at over $1 billion.
According to Alausa, “The initiative is embedding entrepreneurship in every degree, empowering students to create jobs. Staff training ensures professors can nurture entrepreneurial skills. The goal is decent job creation, innovation and solving societal problems profitably.”
He further emphasized the growing philosophy behind EIBIC: “With industry backing and a focus on teamwork, students are creating enterprises before graduation. The aim is to make Nigerian universities hubs for entrepreneurial talent and innovation, boosting the nation’s global competitiveness.”
The minister pointed out that, for 25 years, Nigerian universities had a generic entrepreneurship course that failed to drive tangible impact. “Now, it’s integrated into every degree,” he said, stressing that the initiative’s ultimate goal is fostering innovation, job creation, and profitable solutions to societal problems.
“The EIB philosophy is spreading. With industry backing and a focus on teamwork, students are creating enterprises before graduation. The aim is to make Nigerian universities hubs for entrepreneurial talent and innovation, boosting the nation’s global competitiveness,” Alausa reiterated.
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