Non-Professional Membership

Non-Professional Membership Grades are tailored for individuals beginning or developing their entrepreneurial path. Graduate Membership (GNIIE) is for recent graduates, including Graduate Regular and Graduate NYSC members, who are eager to build entrepreneurial skills and start their journey, while Artisan Membership (TNIIE) is designed for skilled artisans seeking to harness their talents and grow their entrepreneurial potential.

Non-Professional Membership (Requirements)

1. Graduate Membership (Regular):

This category is open to recent graduates with a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. The requirements for Graduate Membership are:

Recent graduate with an HND/Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with evidence of participation in a Polytechnic or University-based entrepreneurial skills program, or 1-year internship experience related to innovation or entrepreneurship.
Individuals with an interest in pursuing a career in entrepreneurship, with a minimum of 5 years of experience from startup hubs, entrepreneurial research, startup incubation, or tech hubs.
Similar membership from a relevant professional body.

2. Graduate Membership (NYSC):

This membership category offers a special discount for recent graduates who have a strong passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. It is specifically designed for those currently enrolled in the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. Through a strategic partnership with the NYSC and the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), this category aims to create employment opportunities, nurture successful innovative enterprises, reduce capital flight, and lessen reliance on government jobs.

To apply for the NYSC Graduate Membership with the Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NIIE), applicants must meet the following requirements:

Educational Qualification: Must hold an HND or BSc degree from a recognized institution.
NYSC Participation: Must be a current NYSC Corps Member with NYSC ID card.
School-Based Entrepreneurship Certificate:Submit a certificate or proof of completion of a school-based entrepreneurship course or program.
Entrepreneurial Skills and Training:Provide documentation of any entrepreneurial skills-based training received, either during or after school, which could include workshops, short courses, or certifications.
Business Idea: Present a brief description of a business idea that requires startup support or scaling up support. This should include a summary of the idea, the problem it addresses, and the target market.

3. Artisan/Technician Membership:

This category is open to skilled individuals with evidence of apprenticeship training and undergraduate students who participated in a school-based entrepreneurship internship program and passed the Entrepreneurship GST/GSE course, ready to harness their talents for entrepreneurship. The requirements for this type of membership are:

Trade Test Certificate or holder of National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Level 1-4.
Master craftsmen (e.g., IT craftsmen, plumbing, technicians, carpentry, automobile, mobile phone, building craftsmen, etc.) with or without formal academic qualifications, but with extensive skills-based training from formal or informal settings, with a minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience.
Undergraduate students who participated in a school-based entrepreneurship internship program and passed the Entrepreneurship GST/GSE course.
Any individual passionate about creating a business or possessing marketable skills to offer services independently may be admitted.

Who Should Join NIIE

Individuals from the following disciplines are encouraged to join NIIE:

Non-Professional Membership Benefits

1. Graduate Membership (Regular)

Entry-Level Networking: Access entry-level networking opportunities with professionals and startups.
Mentorship Programs: Participate in mentorship programs that connect graduates with experienced entrepreneurs.
Fundamental Training: Gain exposure to fundamental capacity-building sessions.
Practical Knowledge: Experience Industrial Learning and Tour opportunities to build practical knowledge.
Professional Designation: Use the Institute's membership designation, ‘Graduate Member’ (GNIIE), to stand out as a professional in every situation.

2. Graduate Membership (NYSC)

As a Graduate (NYSC) Member of the Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NIIE), you will gain access to a wide range of benefits designed to support your entrepreneurial ambitions or enhance your career prospects within the organized private sector or government. As graduate (NYSC) Member of NIIE are not only going to be equips with the tools and support needed to thrive as an entrepreneur but also offers you alternative pathways in the professional world, ensuring your skills and innovative mindset are recognized and valued across various sectors.

Access to Venture Capital Funding: Secure venture capital funding opportunities specifically aimed at young entrepreneurs, providing the financial backing needed to launch or expand your business.
Business Support Services: Receive comprehensive business support services from NIIE, including mentorship, financial management advice, business planning, and strategic guidance, ensuring your startup’s success.
Capacity Development: Enhance your ability to secure financial support through targeted workshops and training sessions on mastering business grant and loan proposals.
Grant and Equity Investment: Benefit from direct grant funding or equity investment from NIIE, giving your business the capital infusion it needs to grow while retaining strategic ownership and support from the institute.
NIIE Most Innovative Startup Idea Award: Compete for NIIE’s prestigious ‘Most Innovative Startup Idea Award’ which includes:
- Business Grant
- Free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Business Registration
- Professional Business Plan Development
- Free Website Design and Hosting
- Support in Developing Product/Service Prototypes
Extensive Business Network: Access an expansive network of entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and business leaders, offering invaluable connections and partnership opportunities.
Access to Market: Utilize NIIE’s platforms to reach broader markets, expanding your customer base and driving business growth.
Leadership Opportunities:Take on leadership roles as an NIIE Coordinator within your NYSC community, gaining experience in managing entrepreneurial projects and building your professional profile.
Employment Recommendations:Obtain strong employment recommendations from NIIE, enhancing your job prospects in both entrepreneurial and non-entrepreneurial sectors.
Earning the GNIIE designation: Graduate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship which signifies your unwavering dedication to innovation and enterprise management. This prestigious title not only highlights your entrepreneurial spirit but also gives you a competitive edge in both the private and public sectors, positioning you as a leader in any career path you choose, whether within or outside entrepreneurship.

3. Artisans/Technicians

Skill Showcases: Showcase skills and services to a wider audience, enhancing professional identity and recognition.
Networking Opportunities: Network with professionals for potential collaborations and business opportunities.
Tailored Capacity Building: Access basic capacity-building sessions specifically designed for artisans.
Professional Recognition: Gain professional recognition, adding value to services and establishing yourself as a respected professional in your craft.

Contact Us

For general inquiries, get in touch with our Head Office directly using the details provided below. We will connect with you and address any questions or needs you may have.

Non-Professional Membership