Following the Federal Government’s recent adoption and launch of the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme, Founder and Managing Director of Daniel Ford International, Yemi Edun, has commended the Federal Government for taking the major step in reshaping Nigeria’s higher education landscape and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Recall that the landmark launch of the EIBIC, led by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa took place in Abuja on March 27, 2026 and it is currently being implemented across 14 universities nationwide, equipping students with practical entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and incubation support to transform ideas into viable businesses even before graduation.

At the national launch, the programme drew strong participation from key industry leaders, underscoring the importance of private sector collaboration. Notable figures in attendance included Kola Adesina of Sahara Group, Debo Olujimi of Emadeb Energy, and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji of Future Africa, all of whom continue to play significant roles in advancing innovation, enterprise, and youth development in Nigeria.

Further reinforcing the programme’s impact, the Federal Government unveiled a N2.2 billion funding boost under the 2026 Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), with 45 student-led ventures emerging as winners. Each selected venture received funding support of up to N50 million to scale their ideas into viable businesses.

Notably, eight out of the 10 finalists selected from the University of Lagos were participants in the EIBIC programme, clear evidence of the strong pipeline being built between entrepreneurial training and access to capital.

Edun noted that all these align with the programme’s broader vision: nurturing ideas through structured incubation while connecting students to capital and real-world opportunities.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Edun said: “EIBIC is not just another academic programme, it is a transformational platform that is equipping young people with the mindset, discipline, and capabilities required to build sustainable enterprises and compete globally.”

He added that Daniel Ford International has been a strong private sector partner in the initiative, contributing to mentorship, industry engagement, and enterprise development at the University of Lagos, the pioneer institution for the programme where the impact is already evident.

Edun emphasised that private sector involvement remains critical to the long-term success of EIBIC.

“Sustainable impact requires collaboration. The private sector plays a vital role in providing mentorship, exposure, and access to funding that will help these young innovators scale their ideas into real businesses.

“Daniel Ford International’s involvement reflects its broader commitment to youth empowerment, enterprise creation, and long-term wealth development. The firm has consistently championed initiatives that bridge education, innovation, and real-world economic impact.

“With thousands of students already impacted—including over 13,000 participants at the University of Lagos alone—the EIBIC programme is fast becoming a national model for entrepreneurial education in Africa,” he stated