UNILAG Strengthens Entrepreneurial Training for Fresh Students Through EIBIC Programme

The University of Lagos has intensified efforts to prepare its newly admitted students for life beyond the classroom by strengthening entrepreneurship education and practical business training.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Folasade Ogunsola, made the call while addressing fresh students participating in the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme organised by the institution’s Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre.

Speaking to the students, Ogunsola urged them to cultivate adaptability and develop a mindset of lifelong learning in order to thrive in a rapidly evolving global environment.

She noted that the programme was designed to support students who aspire to become entrepreneurs, whether by launching tech start-ups or building small businesses.

According to her, the reality of today’s economy demands that young people continuously acquire new skills in order to remain competitive and relevant.

“The world is changing quickly, and only those willing to innovate, adapt and contribute meaningfully will succeed,” she told the students.

The five-day EIBIC programme exposes participants to industry experts, successful entrepreneurs and professionals who share practical insights on enterprise development. Students also participate in sessions on market research, business planning, financial management, and digital marketing.

Highlighting Nigeria’s growing youth population, Ogunsola pointed out that nearly two million students are currently enrolled in tertiary institutions across the country. She warned that many graduates may face limited job opportunities after completing their studies, making entrepreneurship an essential pathway for economic survival and growth.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Afolabi Lesi, emphasised the urgent need to address the rising unemployment rate among graduates. He said universities must play a stronger role in equipping students with practical skills that enable them to create opportunities for themselves and others.

Similarly, the Director of the Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre, Sunday Adebisi, highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship education in a country with a rapidly expanding youth population.

He explained that although universities produce skilled graduates each year, there remains a significant gap between academic knowledge and the practical abilities required to start and sustain successful businesses.

According to him, the long-term goal of the programme is to ensure that students develop viable business ideas while still in school.

“If thousands of students can start businesses before graduating, the unemployment challenge would significantly reduce,” he said.

Participants at the programme also had the opportunity to interact directly with accomplished entrepreneurs and alumni, including business professional Adewale Oladipo and digital marketing expert Fatima Ali, who shared practical strategies for building and scaling successful enterprises.

The initiative reflects the university’s broader commitment to producing graduates who are not only job seekers but also innovators and job creators capable of driving economic growth in Nigeria.