The Federal Government has unveiled the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) Programme, a new initiative aimed at equipping Nigerian students with practical entrepreneurial skills and the capacity to develop sustainable businesses before graduation.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the programme as a strategic reform designed to reposition Nigeria’s education system toward innovation, enterprise development, and economic productivity. He said the initiative marks a shift from theoretical learning to practical, innovation-driven education that prepares students to become job creators rather than job seekers.
According to him, the EIBIC programme integrates entrepreneurship training across academic disciplines, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business solutions. He added that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, also highlighted the importance of practical skills acquisition in addressing unemployment and promoting self-reliance among young Nigerians. She noted that the programme will help bridge the gap between education and industry demands.
Stakeholders from the academic and private sectors commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention with the potential to drive innovation, strengthen enterprise development, and reduce youth unemployment across the country.
The programme, which is currently being implemented in selected universities, is expected to be expanded nationwide. It will provide students with mentorship opportunities, incubation support, and platforms to develop scalable business ventures.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to building a future-ready education system that equips students with industry-relevant skills to support national economic growth and development.
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