Leading financial technology companies in Nigeria, Moniepoint, has announced a N3 billion investment for the establishment of world class innovation hubs in three foremost Nigerian universities. The beneficiary institutions are Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife; Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, and University of Nigeria, Nsuka, UNN.
The chief executive officer of Moniepoint, Mr Tosin Eniolorunda, who announced the move during the official launch ceremony of the initiative at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Tuesday, said the initiative was conceived to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical industry application, particularly in the fields of engineering, technology, innovation and the digital economy.
A statement issued by the public relations officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the vision was inspired by Eniolorunda’s personal academic journey as a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University and his commitment to giving back to institutions that nurture future innovators and nation-builders.
The proposed innovation hubs will feature state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborative workspaces, mentorship programmes, and cutting edge technological facilities designed to equip students with relevant industry skills and entrepreneurial capacity required in the modern global economy.
The vice-chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire commended Moniepoint for the remarkable intervention, describing the company as a household name whose services have positively impacted millions of Nigerians across the country.
Representatives of Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Nigeria also lauded the initiative, noting that the investment would significantly strengthen STEM education, research, innovation, and technological development within the Nigerian university system.
The donation further builds upon previous educational interventions championed by Eniolorunda and Moniepoint, including the establishment of a CAD/CAM laboratory at Obafemi Awolowo University and strategic collaborations with the University of Lagos under the HatchDev Programme.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi described the initiative as a “tripod of innovation,” bringing together institutions from the northern, eastern, and western regions of Nigeria in a collective pursuit of technological advancement, national development and youth empowerment.
With the N3 billion investment, Moniepoint has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to advancing STEM education, fostering innovation and supporting sustainable national growth through strategic investment in human capital development.
