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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The recently launched Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) Programme has kicked off in 14 universities in Nigeria.
The universities are the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos, Bayero University, Usman Danfodio University, University of Benin, University of Port Harcourt, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, University of Maiduguri, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, University of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and University of Abuja.
Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa announced this in Abuja on Friday, stressing the need to drive entrepreneurship and innovation and build the next generation of leaders.
He explained that the EIBIC programme represents a bold and innovative approach to education and was designed to embed entrepreneurship across all disciplines, whether in engineering, medicine, law, sciences, or the creative arts; enable students to convert their knowledge, talents, and passions into viable enterprises; equip them with practical skills, innovation, business planning, financial literacy, and venture development; and ultimately reduce unemployment by empowering students to create sustainable businesses even before graduation.
“In essence, EIBIC is what the designers rightly describe as the ‘Students’ Enterprise Compass’ that guides our youth towards productivity, innovation, and self-reliance,” the minister said.
He noted that the world is changing rapidly, as technology is reshaping industries, leading to the disappearance of many traditional jobs while new opportunities emerge.
“If we do not prepare our young people adequately, we risk widening the gap between education and employability. This is why EIBIC is not just timely; it is necessary.
“Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. Our youthful population is both our greatest asset and our most urgent responsibility. However, as clearly articulated in the EIBIC framework, traditional models of education, particularly the limited exposure through conventional entrepreneurship courses, are no longer sufficient to address the realities of the 21st-century economy.”
The minister said that one of the most commendable features of EIBIC is its structured, multi-level approach, which consists of early exposure at the 100 level to ignite entrepreneurial thinking; progressive skill development through the 200 and 300 levels; and full business incubation, mentorship, and venture creation at the final stages.
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“This ensures that entrepreneurship is not treated as a theoretical concept but as a lived experience that culminates in real businesses, real innovation, and real impact,” he said.
He reiterated that the future of Nigeria lies not in the number of certificates issued, but in the number of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders produced.
“EIBIC thus gives us a powerful platform to achieve this. If we implement it faithfully, scale it strategically, and sustain it collectively, we will build a generation that does not wait for opportunities but creates them. A generation that does not fear the future but shapes it. A generation that will lead Nigeria into a new era of prosperity and global competitiveness.”
The minister called on vice-chancellors and university administrators to fully integrate and institutionalise the EIBIC programme. He also encouraged faculty members to embrace the shift and mentor students beyond the classroom and appealed to industry partners and investors to collaborate actively in supporting student ventures, insisting that government alone cannot drive the transformation.
In a presentation, Prof. Sunday Adebisi gave further explanation of how the initiative was conceived and developed, as well as its short-term and long-term benefits to Nigerian students.
He commended the minister for supporting the initiative, which will ultimately herald the beginning of a new paradigm in Nigerian education—one that shifts young Nigerians from job seekers to job creators, from passive learners to active innovators, and from graduates to nation-builders.
Industry stakeholders such as Mr Kola Adesina (GMD Sahara Group), Mr Debo Olujimi (EMADEB Energy), Mr Iyin Aboyeji (CEO, Future Africa), Mr Deji Macaulay (CEO, Truthware), Mr Yemi Edun (CEO, Daniel for International), among others, appreciated the initiative, describing it as a solution to the skills gap in the education sector.
They promised to support the programme in ways they could to ensure that future graduates from Nigerian universities are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to compete favourably in the global market, instead of being job seekers.
They agreed that the benefits of the programme extend far beyond individual students because it will reduce youth unemployment, stimulate innovation and productivity, support wealth creation and enterprise development, and foster a culture of problem-solving and creativity.
They noted that when Nigerian universities become hubs of innovation and enterprise, the country will not only educate its youth but also empower them to transform the economy.
