In a bold move to strengthen the financial readiness of Nigerian students, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has signed a new strategic collaboration with CreditRegistry, Nigeria’s leading credit bureau. The agreement is designed to equip undergraduates with practical financial knowledge that goes beyond textbooks, helping them navigate personal money management and credit responsibly as they begin their professional journeys.
This partnership signals a fresh and urgently needed approach to bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world financial decision-making. Students often graduate with strong academic credentials but a limited understanding of credit systems, budgeting, investment basics, and the disciplined use of financial tools. UNILAG and CreditRegistry hope to change that narrative by placing financial literacy at the heart of student development.
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University of Lagos and CreditRegistry Strategic Alliance for Financial Education
On a bright morning in February, UNILAG’s leadership and representatives from CreditRegistry came together to formalise a Memorandum of Understanding that commits both parties to a shared vision: preparing students for economic realities they will encounter after graduation. Through the MoU, the university will tap into the African Consumer Credit Academy. This platform is intended to deliver hands-on training in personal finance, credit comprehension, entrepreneurial skills, and wealth building.
Dr Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Managing Director of CreditRegistry, explained that the partnership reflects a deep commitment to strengthening financial understanding among young Nigerians. Represented at the ceremony by the company’s Chief Information Officer, Nse Ikiddeh, she said the initiative was not only a formality but a meaningful declaration of intent to support the economic futures of students.
For many young people emerging from universities, the challenge is not just landing a job but managing income and financial responsibilities wisely. The partnership is designed to equip students with the tools to understand how credit scores work, how to avoid financial pitfalls, and how to build sustainable financial habits from their early careers.
Practical Impacts for Students
At the heart of this initiative is the belief that financial education should be practical and inclusive. According to UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, students will benefit from early exposure to key financial concepts. In her remarks, she said the programme will help students learn how to budget, manage credit mindfully, and maintain a financial profile that supports future opportunities.
Under the partnership, students from all faculties will have access to financial literacy training that complements their academic pursuits. The training will not be limited to theory. Students will be given opportunities for certification and industry exposure, as well as chances to interact with professionals from financial institutions and credit-related organisations through initiatives like the Africa Credit Expo.
For faculty, the collaboration opens avenues for shared learning and development. Educators will work alongside industry professionals to ensure that the curriculum stays relevant to financial trends and prepares students for practical challenges in money management and economic involvement.
Why Financial Literacy Matters Now
In a country with a youthful population and growing entrepreneurial energy, the timing of this partnership could not be more important. Financial literacy empowers students to make informed decisions about credit, savings, investments, and even business development. This is especially critical in a landscape where many young Nigerians face economic uncertainty and limited access to traditional financial guidance.
CreditRegistry has emphasised that good credit behaviour and financial knowledge can unlock opportunities that often elude young adults. Many innovative ideas and startups fail not because the concept is weak, but because founders lack access to formal financial systems or do not understand how to present themselves as credible borrowers. Training students early could change this pattern.
Experts say financial literacy is more than understanding how to balance chequebooks or avoid debt traps. It involves the ability to interpret credit reports, recognise good investment prospects, and plan long-term financial goals that can lead to the creation of generational wealth. The alliance between UNILAG and CreditRegistry aims to instil these competencies while students are still in a learning environment.
University of Lagos and CreditRegistry Initiative Is A Model for Other Institutions
Leaders from both UNILAG and CreditRegistry have expressed hope that this partnership will serve as a template for other universities in Nigeria. By prioritising financial education at the tertiary level, schools across the country can help shape graduates who are not only academically adept but financially savvy and ready to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic growth.
For UNILAG students, the initiative brings more than classroom benefits. It offers mentorship, professional networking prospects, and direct engagement with industry events that can accelerate career readiness and innovation. In the words of one leader involved in the partnership, students will be better prepared to succeed not just in their first job but throughout their professional lives.
The focus on financial literacy reflects broader educational trends in Nigeria and across Africa. Increasingly, universities are seeking partnerships with private sector firms to address gaps in traditional curricula. Initiatives like this, which tie academic learning with practical skills, are gaining traction as essential components of holistic student development.
As this new programme begins to roll out across UNILAG campuses, students, parents, and industry watchers will be watching closely to see how many young Nigerians benefit from the deeper understanding of personal finance and credit management it promises to deliver.
In an era where financial confidence is just as important as academic achievement, this collaboration may well mark a turning point in how universities prepare the next generation for life beyond graduation.
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