FG Launches EIBIC Programme to Transform Nigerian Students into Job Creators

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has officially launched the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) Programme, describing it as a landmark reform aimed at transforming Nigerian students from job seekers into job creators. He noted that the initiative represents a decisive shift in the nation’s education system toward practical, innovation-driven learning that equips students with the skills to build sustainable enterprises.

The Minister explained that the programme is designed to embed entrepreneurship across all academic disciplines, enabling students to convert their knowledge and talents into viable businesses even before graduation. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which prioritizes skills development, innovation, and economic growth. He further highlighted the programme’s structured approach, including early exposure to entrepreneurship, progressive skill development, and full business incubation at advanced levels.

In her remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, stressed the need to move beyond theoretical learning, noting that education must equip students with practical skills and entrepreneurial capacity. She described the programme as a timely intervention that will strengthen employability, promote self-reliance, and prepare students to compete in a dynamic global economy.

Providing an overview of the initiative, Professor Sunday Adebisi explained that the programme is built on a philosophy of transforming every student into an entrepreneur. He noted that entrepreneurship components are being integrated into all disciplines, supported by strong industry linkages and global partnerships to enhance innovation and competitiveness.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the EIBIC Planning and Monitoring Committee, Professor Tanko Ishaya, described the initiative as a critical step in repositioning Nigeria’s education system as a driver of economic development. He commended the Federal Ministry of Education for its visionary leadership and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to effective implementation.

From the private sector, the Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina, emphasized the importance of innovation and value creation, urging Nigerians to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Similarly, the Founder Partner of Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, described the programme as a historic opportunity to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of Nigerian youth.

In a goodwill message delivered on her behalf by Professor Afolabi Lesi, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, highlighted the university’s commitment to entrepreneurship education and expressed confidence in the programme’s ability to drive innovation and reduce unemployment. The Chief Executive Officer of EMADEB Energy, Debo Olujimi, also underscored the importance of industry collaboration in supporting student enterprises.

The Fourteen (14) universities to offer EIBIC programme were selected from federal universities across the six geopolitical zones of the country. They are: University of Lagos; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Bayero University, Kano; Uthman Danfodio 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.

Delivering the closing remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to building an education system that fosters innovation, enterprise, and national development. The EIBIC Programme is currently being implemented in selected universities, with plans for expansion across all tertiary institutions nationwide.

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Source: Legit.ng