IEAMA Seeks Federal Government Partnership to Boost Entrepreneurship, Job Creation and Economic Growth

The Director-General and Registrar of the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Management and Administration (IEAMA), Dr. Jerry Ibeh, has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to advancing entrepreneurship and apprenticeship development in Nigeria, calling for stronger collaboration with the Federal Government to provide financial support that will empower entrepreneurs, create jobs and accelerate economic growth.

Speaking at the 2026 National Investiture and Induction Ceremony held in Abuja with the theme, “Advancing Nigeria’s Economic Future through Structured Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Leadership,” Dr. Ibeh said the institute is committed to building an entrepreneurial ecosystem that will equip Nigerians with practical skills, strengthen businesses and increase their contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He stressed that access to finance remains one of the greatest challenges confronting entrepreneurs and urged governments at all levels to provide grants, funding opportunities and business-friendly policies that will enable enterprises to thrive.

Dr. Ibeh disclosed that IEAMA has entered into strategic partnerships with several government institutions, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Lagos State Chapter, to expand mentorship opportunities for young entrepreneurs and apprentices across the country. According to him, the institute is also pursuing its long-term vision of attaining chartered status within the next four years, a development he said would further strengthen professionalism and standards in entrepreneurship and apprenticeship practice in Nigeria.

Delivering a keynote address, the National Vice President of IEAMA, Dr. Adeniyi Samson Adekunle, said Nigeria’s economic prosperity depends largely on building a structured entrepreneurship and apprenticeship system capable of addressing unemployment, poverty and low productivity. He noted that millions of graduates enter the labour market annually without corresponding employment opportunities, making entrepreneurship an essential pathway for sustainable economic development.

Dr. Adekunle observed that nearly 60 percent of Nigeria’s economy operates within the informal sector, limiting access to finance, taxation, business continuity and productivity. He explained that many businesses collapse within their first four years due to poor management, inadequate financial planning and weak institutional structures. According to him, structured entrepreneurship encourages proper record-keeping, financial discipline, team building, succession planning and innovation, while apprenticeship remains the oldest and most effective method of transferring practical knowledge and skills from one generation to another.

He further stated that IEAMA is strategically positioned to bridge the gap between government, the private sector and vulnerable communities by promoting an inclusive economy where opportunities are available to everyone. “An inclusive economy is a stronger economy,” he said, stressing that sustainable national development can only be achieved when government, institutions and citizens work together toward a common economic vision.

Also speaking, entrepreneurship expert Dr. Dipo Fisho  said,  successful entrepreneurship is built on perseverance, consistency and commitment. He advocated the establishment of a nationally recognised apprenticeship framework supported by structured training, professional certification and digital documentation to enhance the credibility of skilled artisans and entrepreneurs and position Nigerian professionals to compete effectively in the global marketplace.

The Secretary of IEAMA, Dr. Harirsh Yerima Bala, reaffirms the institute’s commitment to promoting inclusive entrepreneurship through specialised programmes targeting women, youths and persons with disabilities. She said robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms have been introduced to maintain quality standards in apprenticeship training while ensuring participants acquire practical and industry-relevant skills.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist, Dr. Emmanuel Babayaro, described apprenticeship as the foundation of lasting success in every profession. He encouraged young Nigerians to embrace mentorship, patience, discipline and continuous learning, noting that these values are essential not only in business but also in sports administration, leadership and other sectors of the economy.

Participants at the ceremony unanimously agreed that structured entrepreneurship and apprenticeship leadership remain critical to Nigeria’s economic transformation. They maintained that strengthening professional standards, expanding partnerships and investing in practical skills development will stimulate innovation, reduce unemployment, create sustainable businesses and position Nigeria for long-term economic prosperity.