The Federal Government has launched the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme to tackle graduate unemployment and drive innovation-led economic growth. The programme aims to transform Nigerian students from job seekers into job creators.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, unveiled the programme in Abuja on Friday. He described it as a strategic response to evolving global realities where technology continues to reshape industries and traditional employment opportunities decline.
The programme will embed entrepreneurship training across various disciplines, including engineering, medicine, law, sciences, and the creative arts. Students will acquire practical skills in innovation, business planning, financial literacy, and venture development while still in school.
The EIBIC programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Ministry of Education's reform framework under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI). It aims to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM) education, promote skills acquisition, enhance industry-academia collaboration, and position education as a driver of economic growth.
The programme will operate through a structured multi-level model, beginning with entrepreneurship exposure at 100 level, progressive skills development at intermediate stages, and full business incubation, mentorship, and venture creation at the final stages. It has already been introduced in 14 universities in its first phase and is expected to be onboarded by all federal universities, selected federal polytechnics, and colleges of education by 2027.
The unveiling of the EIBIC programme is a welcome step towards addressing graduate unemployment in Nigeria. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the effective implementation of its multi-level model and the commitment of stakeholders, including lecturers, industry partners, and investors, to actively mentor and support student innovators. The programme's focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and enterprise development aligns with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and has the potential to accelerate Nigeria's transition towards an innovation-led economy. The government must ensure that the programme is fully integrated into the education system, and that students are provided with the necessary resources and support to succeed. With careful implementation, the EIBIC programme can help to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of Nigerian students and drive economic growth.
