FG Empowers 100 University Students With Game-Changing Entrepreneurial Skills

The Federal Ministry of Finance has revealed that the Federal Government has provided entrepreneurship training to students in over 100 higher institutions nationwide.

Mohammed Baba, the Ministry’s Assistant Director of Finance and Accounts, made this disclosure on Friday during a training session for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. He noted that the initiative was implemented under the Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN) programme.

Baba explained that the programme is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to nurture self-reliance among young Nigerians, reducing dependency on government employment. “We have reached more than 100 tertiary institutions. This initiative aims to equip the next generation with entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to thrive as business owners and employers of labour if traditional white-collar jobs are not available,” he said.

He added that the training follows a two-step approach: theoretical instruction, which is currently being delivered, followed by practical application through grants provided to entrepreneurship departments. These grants will be allocated to the most qualified student entrepreneurs. Baba urged students to utilize the funds responsibly, stressing that they are expected to become successful entrepreneurs who will contribute to the nation’s economic growth. He also encouraged students to approach the Bank of Industry for additional support to realize their business ideas ahead of the government’s grants.

Deborah Tatimi, a programme facilitator, emphasized that YOUWIN aims to inspire, equip, and motivate students to embrace entrepreneurship as a viable career. She added that the programme seeks to reduce overreliance on government jobs while fostering innovation, self-reliance, and employment generation.

Kasim Salihu, Registrar of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, commended the government for selecting the institution for the programme. He encouraged students to actively engage in the training, noting that entrepreneurship is crucial for national development. Salihu further highlighted the importance of pairing theoretical knowledge with government-provided grants to allow students to implement their entrepreneurial ideas.

Earlier in June 2025, the Minister of Education, Dr. Moruf Alausa, called on tertiary institutions across the country to produce graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs. Alausa stressed that equipping young Nigerians with entrepreneurial skills is vital for national prosperity, particularly in light of the country’s large population and persistent high unemployment.