*Launches EIBIC For 14 Universities, To Be Extended To All Institution By 2028
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, on Friday noted that Nigeria's future and prosperity depends on the number of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders that can be churned out from its institutions.
The future, according to him, does not depend on the number of certificates being issued out by the various tertiary institutions.
To catch up with developed countries, he said that Nigerian graduates should be jobs creators rather than seeking up and down for employment at the end of their studies.
The Minister spoke in Abuja while launching the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) Programme.
The EIBIC initiative aims at inculcating entrepreneur skills in students, which will embed entrepreneurship education into their academic experience, equip them with innovative thinking and practical skills required to drive productivity and economic growth.
He said "Let me conclude by reiterating that the future of Nigeria lies not in the number of certificates we issue, but in the number of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders we produce.
"EIBIC 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."
According to him, the first phase of the programme will cover 14 universities including University of Lagos; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Bayero University, Kano; Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto; University of Benin; University of Port Harcourt, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, University of Ibadan; University of Maiduguri; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; and University of Abuja.
By next year, he said that the programme will be extended to all Federal universities, some polytechnics and some Colleges of Education.
The Minister, however, disclosed that the programme will be extended to all tertiary institutions in Nigeria by the year 2028.
Noting that Nigeria's youthful population is its greatest asset and most urgent responsibility, he pointed out that Nigeria’s traditional models of education are no longer sufficient to address the realities of the 21st-century economy.
"The world is changing rapidly. Technology is reshaping industries, and many traditional jobs are disappearing, even as 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.
"Today marks not just the launch of a programme, but the beginning of a new paradigm in Nigerian education, one that shifts our young people from job seekers to job creators, from passive learners to active innovators, and from graduates to nation-builders.
The Imperative for Change. "The EIBIC programme represents a bold and innovative approach to education. It is 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. " he stated
The programme, he said, aligns perfectly with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda—to build a resilient, knowledge-driven, and innovation-led economy.
The Minister also noted that it also fits squarely into the broader reform framework under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).
He said that it particularly strengthens STEMM and innovation-driven education by Promoting skills acquisition and employability; Enhancing industry-academic collaboration; and Leveraging education as a driver of economic growth.
Stressing that EIBIC is not a standalone programme, the Minister said it is a strategic national intervention.
"One of the most commendable features of EIBIC is its structured, multi-level approach, consisting of: Early exposure at the 100 level to ignite entrepreneurial thinking; Progressive skill development through 200 and 300 levels;
"And full business incubation, mentorship, and venture creation at the final stages." the Minister added
On the call to action, he directed the Senates of the 14 universities selected to approve the programme on or before April, warning that there will be consequences for failure.
"I plead with you, don't let us have any rough moment with this" the Minister stated.
"I wish to call on: Vice-Chancellors and University Administrators to fully integrate and institutionalize this programme; Faculty members to embrace this shift and mentor students beyond the classroom; Industry partners and investors to collaborate actively in supporting student ventures; and Our students to seize this opportunity with seriousness, creativity, and determination."
Dr. Alausa said that the Government alone cannot drive the transformation, as a whole-of-society approach is need.
He commended all stakeholders, universities, the Nigerian Universities Commission, TETFund, the academic community, industry partners, and Directors of Entrepreneurship, and Professor Sunday Adebisi and his team, for conceptualizing and driving the transformative initiative.
In her opening remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, noted that education is not just about the certificates, but the skills to be impacted.
Stressing that it will make Education not only to be theoretical, but practical, the Minister of State said the programme will strengthen employability.
While commending the facilitators and partners of the project, she encouraged students to seize the opportunity being offered.
The Chairman of EIBIC Planning and Monitoring Committee and Vice Chancellor of University of Jos, Tanko Ishaya, said the programme is timely and a defining step towards shifting Nigeria economy from consumption to production.
Noting that it will build a new generation of job creators, he said, it will unlock a new era of prosperity for Nigeria.
He also commended the Minister for the launching of the programme.
A representative of the Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, encouraged each institution to ensure students embrace the programme.
According to her, it will reduce unemployment in the country.
She thanked the Federal Government for taking the initiative to a new level.
The GMD of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina, promised that his firm will put its billions in the project.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students' Engagement, Asefon Sunday, thanked Dr. Alausa for giving opportunity to Nigerian students to be employer of labour and not job seekers at the end of their studies.