At the 25th anniversary celebration of Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), Ngover Iheyembe Nwankwo, Executive Director, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems PLC and a proud alumna of the Venture in Management Programme (ViMP), one of the flagship programs offered by JAN, urged fintechs and financial institutions to partner with JAN in a shared mission to empower Nigeria’s youth and advance financial inclusion nationwide.
Reflecting on the evolution of fintech, Ngover highlighted how the sector has transformed the financial landscape in just a few years, revolutionising access to capital, payment systems, and digital services. “From dial-up internet to blockchain and mobile wallets, Nigeria’s fintech industry has opened unprecedented opportunities for young entrepreneurs,” she said, adding, “It’s no longer just about providing financial tools. It’s about giving our youth the education, mentorship, and opportunities to leverage these tools to innovate and lead.”
Ngover’s remarks came at a time when Nigeria’s demographic landscape has positioned it as one of the youngest countries in the world, with over 60% of its population under 25. “This youth bulge is not a challenge; it’s an opportunity,” she emphasised. “Nigeria’s young population is bursting with creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit — qualities that will fuel the country’s economic growth for decades to come.”
However, Ngover pointed out that despite the rapid growth of Nigeria’s fintech sector, young Nigerians still face significant barriers to entrepreneurship, particularly around access to financial tools and education. This is where the partnership with Junior Achievement Nigeria becomes pivotal. By working together, fintechs, financial institutions, and JAN can break these barriers, allowing young entrepreneurs to focus on what truly matters: innovation.
“Fintech has made significant strides in breaking down barriers to accessing capital and financial services,” she noted.
“However, without financial literacy, these tools can’t reach their full potential. This is where JAN plays a crucial role — by equipping young Nigerians with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate these tools effectively, empowering them to confidently transform their ideas into thriving businesses.”
Ngover highlighted the transformative potential of fintech in advancing gender inclusion, particularly for women in underserved communities. She noted that women in Nigeria continue to face higher levels of financial exclusion than men, and fintechs provide an opportunity to bridge that gap. By offering easier access to capital, digital marketplaces, and payment systems, fintechs can empower women to build businesses, contribute to household incomes, and uplift an entire community.
In her concluding remarks, Ngover emphasized the need for deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors to create a nurturing environment for young Nigerians. While recognizing ongoing infrastructure hurdles, she shared a hopeful vision—highlighting that with the right mentorship, access to digital tools, and meaningful partnerships, Nigerian youth have the potential to drive a fintech-powered wave of entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic progress. She left the audience with a compelling call to action: “What part will we play in funding the future? How can we leverage fintech to build businesses, solve real problems, and uplift our communities?”
About Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN)
Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young people with skills and resources that will help them succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy. Through its dynamic programmes in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, work readiness, and digital literacy, JAN has impacted over 1 million students across Nigeria. By fostering creativity, innovation, and financial literacy, JAN is preparing the next generation of Nigerian leaders to drive economic change.
For more information on how to get involved or support JAN’s mission, contact info@ja-nigeria.org
Media Contact: Tobiloba Olaosun – tobiloba.olaosun@ja-nigeria.org, +2348068110942
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