The Federal Government has launched the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme, making it compulsory for students in selected universities to graduate with an additional entrepreneurship certificate alongside their academic degree.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, unveiled the initiative on Friday in Abuja, noting that the programme marks a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to tertiary education by transitioning students from “job-seekers to job-creators.”

Alausa said the phased rollout would begin with 14 federal universities and expand to all federal universities by 2027, before covering all federal tertiary institutions by 2028.

The pioneer institutions 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.

According to him, the EIBIC programme, addresses the inadequacies of traditional entrepreneurship courses and responds to global shifts in technology, employability and labour market needs.

“Today marks not just the launch of a programme, but the beginning of a new paradigm in Nigeria’s education system,” the minister said. “If we do not prepare our young people adequately, we risk widening the gap between education and employability. EIBIC is therefore not just timely, but necessary.”

He explained that the programme is designed to embed entrepreneurship across all disciplines, noting that fields such as engineering, medicine, sciences and the creative arts would adopt a more innovation-driven approach.

EIBIC he added, integrates early entrepreneurial exposure at 100 level, progressive skills development at 200 and 300 levels, and full business incubation and venture creation at final-year stages.

The minister cited the University of Lagos as a case study, noting that eight of the 10 startups from the institution that reached the final stage of the Student Venture Capital Grant had passed through the EIBIC programme.

He also directed the 14 participating vice-chancellors to secure Senate approval for full adoption of the programme before the end of April.

“This is a directive I will not take lightly. We are in a hurry to deliver to our youth,” he said.

Alausa disclosed that the government recently launched a Student Venture Capital Grant, which attracted over 36,000 applications nationwide, from which 63 finalists will receive funding on Sunday.

The initiative is supported by the Bank of Industry, which he said has received a $50 million grant for venture financing and may provide up to ₦1 billion low-interest credit to support student-led businesses.

Alausa reaffirmed that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, education remains central to building a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy.

“Education is the bedrock of any society,” he said. “And today, we have a President who has given us every tool we need to transform it.”

The minister added that with sustained reforms, Nigerian students could complete their academic programmes on schedule and graduate better prepared for modern economic challenges.

Senior government officials, university administrators and student representatives at the event commended the initiative.

National leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and founder of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, held a private meeting with the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, in Abuja, on Thursday.

Details of the meeting were unknown but Kwankwaso confirmed that it held at his Abuja residence.

“It was a pleasure to receive my dear friend, His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State and National Secretary of the ADC, this evening at my residence in Abuja,” Kwankwaso wrote.

The meeting comes just days after the Kwankwasiyya movement hinted at ongoing discussions with both the ADC and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over possible political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kwankwaso, who has remained a dominant figure in northern politics, is believed to be exploring new alliances following internal strains within the NNPP and speculation about his next political move.

Aregbesola, a former minister of interior and influential figure in southwestern politics, represents a key link between Kwankwaso’s northern base and potential southern allies.

His role as ADC’s national secretary adds weight to speculation that the two parties may be considering a broader coalition.

Political observers say the Abuja meeting underscores Kwankwaso’s strategy of building bridges across party lines, especially as Kwankwasiyya leaders openly discuss realignment with ADC and NDC.

While neither Kwankwaso nor Aregbesola disclosed details of their discussions, the timing of the meeting is seen as significant

WAEC Releases 2026 Computer-Based Results The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has officially released the results of the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination, CB-WASSCE, for Private Candidates, 2026 First Series.

WAEC made this known in a statement issued on X on Friday, noting that candidates who sat for the examination can access their results within 12 hours.

According to the council, the timely release of the results reflects its commitment to improving service delivery through the adoption of technology and efficient examination processes.

It also expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their support in ensuring the successful conduct of the examination.

“The result of CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2026–First Series, has been released. Candidates can access their results within the next 12 hours. Our thanks to all stakeholders for cooperating with us to achieve this feat,” the statement said.