Vice Chancellors of 14 federal universities have been directed to secure Senate approval for the Entrepreneurship Innovation and Business Incubation Certification before the end of April. The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, issued this directive in Abuja during the unveiling ceremony, warning that failure to comply would attract sanctions.
The initiative makes it compulsory for students to graduate with an entrepreneurship certification alongside their academic degrees. Alausa explained that the programme addresses the limitations of conventional entrepreneurship courses by embedding innovation and enterprise training across all disciplines. He noted that for 25 years, Nigerian universities ran generic entrepreneurship courses that failed to drive impact.
“The initiative is embedding entrepreneurship in every degree, empowering students to create jobs. Staff training ensures professors can nurture entrepreneurial skills. The goal is decent job creation, innovation and solving societal problems profitably,” Alausa stated.
He revealed that the University of Lagos is already witnessing a surge in student led startups, with some creating unicorns. The Minister emphasised that the philosophy is spreading, with industry backing and a focus on teamwork.
The pilot universities selected for the rollout include the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos, Bayero University Kano, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, University of Benin, University of Port Harcourt, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, University of Maiduguri, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and the University of Abuja.
Alausa disclosed that all federal universities will join the programme in 2027, while federal polytechnics and colleges of education will be included in 2028. He added that the Bank of Industry has secured a $50 million grant for venture financing and is expected to provide up to N1 billion in low interest credit to support student businesses.
The Minister described the move as a strategic response to declining traditional employment opportunities. He affirmed that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Stressing the urgency of the reform, Alausa declared, “This is a directive I will not take lightly. We are in a hurry to deliver to our youths.”
