Nigeria is set to create the first Entrepreneurship University in Africa in Bama, Borno State, following strong support from education sector stakeholders during a Senate public hearing on Monday.

Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, the bill’s sponsor, stated that the specialized university aims to equip Nigerian youth with entrepreneurial skills, reducing reliance on limited white-collar job opportunities.

The National Bureau of Statistics recently reported an increase in Nigeria’s unemployment rate to 5.3%, with youth unemployment at an alarming 53%.

The proposed university will focus on agriculture and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for young individuals to turn opportunities into successful business ventures, ultimately contributing to job creation.

During the hearing, there were no objections to the bill, and stakeholders expressed confidence in the project’s viability, with commitments from both the Borno State Government and the Shehu of Bama to support the initiative.

The Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund plans to expedite the bill’s passage, with assurances of swift approval from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Vice President Kashim Shettima.