The Federal Government has unveiled the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at transforming Nigerian students into job creators and drivers of economic growth.
The programme, launched by the Federal Ministry of Education on March 27, 2026, is designed to equip students with practical entrepreneurial skills and the capacity to establish sustainable businesses even before graduation.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a significant step toward repositioning Nigeria’s education system to focus on innovation, enterprise and productivity. He explained that the programme shifts learning from theory to practical, innovation-driven approaches that prepare students for real-world challenges.
According to him, the EIBIC Programme integrated entrepreneurship across all fields of study, enabling students to convert academic knowledge into viable business ventures. He noted that the initiative aligns with the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as the broader Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, stressed the importance of equipping students with practical skills that enhance employability and promote self-reliance.
Stakeholders from both academia and industry commended the programme, noting its potential to stimulate innovation, strengthen enterprise development and significantly reduce youth unemployment across the country.
The EIBIC Programme is currently being implemented in selected universities, with plans for nationwide expansion. It will offer mentorship, incubation support and opportunities for students to develop scalable enterprises.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to producing industry-ready graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.
