FG Unveils Mandatory Entrepreneurship Certification for Varsity Students, Begins Rollout in 14 Universities
The Federal Government has officially unveiled a new initiative aimed at reshaping graduate employability in Nigeria, introducing a mandatory entrepreneurship certification programme for students in federal universities.
The programme, known as the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC), was launched in Abuja on Thursday as part of broader efforts to tackle rising unemployment among graduates and promote self-reliance.
According to government officials, the initiative will ensure that students graduate not only with academic degrees but also with practical business and innovation skills that can be applied in real-world settings.
Pilot Phase Begins with 14 Universities
The rollout has already commenced in 14 federal universities, where students will be required to participate in structured entrepreneurship training, innovation projects, and business incubation programmes.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries will earn an additional certification in entrepreneurship alongside their degree certificates — a move authorities say will give graduates a competitive edge in Nigeria’s challenging job market.
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Gradual Expansion Nationwide
While the programme is already compulsory in participating institutions, the Federal Government confirmed that implementation will be phased:
Expansion to all federal universities by 2027
Full coverage across all federal tertiary institutions by 2028
This means that although not all students nationwide are immediately affected, the policy is set to become a standard requirement across federal institutions in the coming years.
What This Means for Students
The introduction of the certification signals a shift in Nigeria’s higher education approach — from purely academic training to a more skills-driven system.
Students will now be expected to:
Develop business ideas
Participate in innovation-driven projects
Gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience before graduation
Education stakeholders believe this could significantly reduce dependence on white-collar jobs and encourage more graduates to create employment opportunities.
A Familiar Concept, Now Reinforced
Entrepreneurship education is not entirely new in Nigerian universities. Over the years, institutions have offered entrepreneurship courses as part of general studies.
However, this new policy goes beyond theory, focusing on practical application, certification, and incubation, making it more structured and outcome-driven.
Reactions and Expectations
While the initiative has been welcomed in many quarters, some observers say its success will depend heavily on:
Adequate funding
Availability of training facilities
Qualified instructors and mentors
If effectively implemented, the programme could mark a turning point in how Nigerian graduates are prepared for life after school.