In an effort to strengthen the development of technical talent throughout the nation, Nigeria’s fintech behemoth Moniepoint has announced a N3 billion commitment to create innovation hubs in three federal colleges.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, would all be included in the three-year program. The universities were chosen, according to Moniepoint, to guarantee that innovation possibilities were dispersed throughout Nigeria’s various regions rather than being centred in a small number of big cities.
Vice chancellors, students, business executives, alumni, and members of Nigeria’s expanding technological ecosystem attended the official unveiling of the Moniepoint Innovation Hubs at OAU in Ile-Ife.
According to Moniepoint, the hubs would function as long-term hubs for innovation and technology training. Practical courses in software engineering, robotics, AI, product design, entrepreneurship, and data science will be available to students from several universities.
The curriculum would place a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, the business claimed. In order to increase their preparedness for the workforce, students will work in organised cohorts, be mentored, and take part in practical projects.
Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO and co-founder of Moniepoint Group, stated during the launch that the project is a reflection of the company’s long-term commitment to developing local IT capacity.
“It’s easy to forget that it all began with the foundational training we received right here in Nigerian universities when you look at the success of companies like Moniepoint,” he remarked.
Eniolorunda went on to say that in order for Nigeria’s digital economy to compete internationally, it needs more talented indigenous workers.
“Nigeria’s digital economy needs a huge, localised talent density; it cannot function on potential alone. We are purposefully anchoring top-notch technological capabilities throughout the nation by establishing these Innovation Hubs, starting with OAU, UNN, and ABU Zaria,” he continued.
He claims that as the need for technical skills increases, Moniepoint also intends to expand the program to additional postsecondary institutions in the future.
The collaboration is a significant step for innovation and higher education in Nigeria, according to Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, Vice Chancellor of OAU.
“Our belief that knowledge must serve society is powerfully affirmed by this partnership with Moniepoint Group,” stated Bamire.
“The Moniepoint Innovation Hub will not only broaden our students’ knowledge but also change their perception of what is feasible,” he continued.
In addition to providing funds for the physical hubs, Moniepoint stated that students would gain access to curriculum support, internship opportunities, mentorship programs, and expert-led sessions from the company’s engineering and business teams.
The fintech company noted that participants would gain access to live industry projects while connecting directly with engineers, investors, and other leaders within Moniepoint’s wider network.
In order to meet the growing need for qualified workers in Africa’s rapidly developing technology sector, Nigerian fintech companies are investing more and more in talent development and digital education.
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