The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a nationwide financial inclusion training program aimed at equipping 10 million Nigerians with essential financial literacy, investment knowledge, and digital skills.

The initiative was flagged off by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The program is implemented through the Presidential Committee on Economic & Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), chaired by VP Shettima. Its primary goal is to empower youths and women, ensuring they are prepared to thrive in Nigeria’s rapidly advancing digital economy.

As part of the rollout, the FG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six leading professional bodies: the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA), Chartered Risk Management Institute (CRMI), and the Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NIIE). These organizations will provide technical expertise, mentorship, and certification pathways to strengthen Nigeria’s financial and enterprise workforce.

Speaking at the event, VP Shettima emphasized that the initiative is more than a formal agreement. He described it as a strategic national investment in human and institutional capacity, the foundation upon which inclusive economic growth must rest.

He further noted that financial inclusion is not achieved through access alone, but through competence, trust, and ethical capacity. “A one-trillion-dollar economy cannot be built on weak skills or disconnected professional ecosystems,” the Vice President said.

The MoU establishes a framework for joint training programs, policy dialogue, digital skills development, and professional standards, aligning market practices with national inclusion goals.

VP Shettima highlighted the importance of financial literacy among accountants, credit administrators, bankers, risk professionals, and innovators, stressing that without such skills, inclusion remains merely a slogan.

The training program prioritizes women and youth, ensuring Nigeria’s demographic dividend translates into economic growth. VP Shettima said the collaboration ensures young people are equipped with the skills and ethical grounding required for a fast-evolving digital economy.

The President of ICAN, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, commended the FG for its bold economic reforms and pledged the professional body’s full support for the success of the initiative. Technical partners, including WAWU Africa, confirmed their readiness to deliver the digital platform and infrastructure necessary for effective nationwide training.

Dr Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, stated that exclusion is not only due to lack of access but also limited skills, weak institutional capacity, and insufficient professional support.

Financial inclusion is fully realized when people and institutions are equipped to use financial infrastructure responsibly and productively.

The flag-off event marked the formal start of the program, which will train 10 million Nigerians across the country, with special focus on empowering women and youth to participate actively in Nigeria’s growing economy.

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The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has partnered with OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, to launch Africa’s first OpenAI Academy, a major step in equipping students, researchers, and innovators with real-world artificial intelligence (AI) skills designed for African contexts.

Announced during the university’s 5th International Week themed “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa”, the partnership highlights UNILAG’s growing role in technology and innovation on the continent.

Speaking at the opening, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola said AI presents Africa with an opportunity to “leapfrog systemic challenges” and deliver context-specific solutions.

“This isn’t just about learning technology, it’s about shaping it to serve our people,” she said.

OpenAI’s Africa Lead, Emmanuel Lubanzadio, said the academy will train students, educators, and entrepreneurs in AI tools, including ChatGPT, focusing on sectors like education, governance, and creative industries.

“UNILAG is a model for how AI can be localized. This academy will empower students and serve as a blueprint for Africa,” he noted.

The event also featured Bank of America’s Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, Yvonne Ike, who urged African institutions to move faster in preparing youth for a world increasingly driven by AI.

“Africa must lead and define its digital future not wait for others to do so,” she said.

A panel session titled “AI and the Future of African Cities” explored how AI can solve urban and governance challenges. Speakers included experts from the University of Manchester, Future Africa, and UNILAG student innovators.

UNILAG’s international strategy, according to Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Foluso Lesi, focuses on co-creating solutions that work locally and scale globally.

The university has secured over $28 million in international research funding and continues to form partnerships grounded in equity, mutual value, and innovation.

The academy, hosted at UNILAG’s Innovation and Technology Management Office, is set to deliver hands-on AI training through workshops and labs throughout the week. It will focus on applying AI in education, journalism, public service, and the creative economy.

Representatives from Nigeria’s Ministries of Education and Communications, as well as Lagos State Government, commended UNILAG for positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.

“When young Africans are given tools like AI, they don’t just follow trends — they lead change,” said Dr. Olayinka Adewumi, the academy’s coordinator.

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