Federal Government Mandates Entrepreneurship Education in 74 Universities from 2027
The Federal Government has announced a landmark initiative requiring all 74 federal universities to integrate entrepreneurship education into their academic programmes, effective from next year. This move will ensure that students graduate with two certifications: a degree in their chosen field and a certificate in entrepreneurship.
Launch of the EIBIC Programme
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this declaration in Abuja on Friday during the official launch of the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme. He described the programme as a transformative step toward reshaping Nigeria's education system and preparing young people for the realities of a fast-changing global economy.
Already, the programme has been approved in 14 federal universities, with plans to expand it to all 74 federal universities by 2027 and scale up to all federal polytechnics and colleges of education by 2028.
Shift to Practical, Skills-Driven Education
Alausa emphasized that this initiative marks a significant shift from traditional academic learning to a more practical, skills-driven approach. It aims to empower students to create jobs rather than depend solely on employment opportunities.
He commended key stakeholders, including universities, the National Universities Commission (NUC), TETFund, industry partners, and academic leaders, for their roles in conceptualising and driving the programme.
Addressing 21st-Century Economic Challenges
According to the minister, the EIBIC programme comes at a critical time when conventional models of education are no longer sufficient to address the challenges of the 21st-century economy.
"The world is changing rapidly. Technology is reshaping industries, and many traditional jobs are disappearing. If we do not prepare our young people adequately, we risk widening the gap between education and employability," he stated.
Programme Structure and Benefits
Alausa explained that the programme is designed to embed entrepreneurship across all fields of study, enabling students to transform their knowledge and talents into viable business ventures. Participants will be equipped with practical skills such as:
- Innovation
- Business planning
- Financial literacy
- Venture development
The ultimate goal is to reduce unemployment and foster self-reliance among graduates. Describing EIBIC as a "Students' Enterprise Compass," Alausa said it would guide students toward productivity, creativity, and economic independence.
Alignment with National Agendas
He noted that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to build a resilient, knowledge-driven, and innovation-led economy. Additionally, EIBIC forms part of the broader Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), focusing on:
- Strengthening STEMM education
- Promoting skills acquisition
- Enhancing industry-academic collaboration
- Leveraging education for economic growth
Progressive Skill Development
Highlighting its structure, Alausa said the programme would provide early exposure to entrepreneurship at the 100 level, followed by progressive skill development in subsequent years, and culminate in full business incubation and venture creation before graduation.
"This ensures that entrepreneurship is not treated as theory but as a lived experience that produces real businesses and real impact," he added.
National Development Impact
Beyond individual benefits, the programme is expected to contribute to national development by reducing youth unemployment, stimulating innovation, and promoting wealth creation. The minister called on university administrators, lecturers, industry players, and students to embrace the initiative and work collectively to ensure its success.
Support from Academic Leaders
In their separate goodwill messages, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, and her counterpart at the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, lauded the initiative. They described it as a timely intervention that will bridge the gap between academic learning and practical enterprise, while equipping students with essential skills for the modern economy.
