Moniepoint invests ₦3bn to establish innovation hubs at OAU, UNN, and ABU to train Nigerian students in AI, software engineering, and entrepreneurship

Moniepoint Group has announced a major ₦3 billion investment aimed at strengthening technology education in Nigerian universities through the establishment of three Innovation Hubs across the country.

The initiative, which is being described as one of the most significant private-sector contributions to higher education in recent years, will see innovation centres established at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).

According to the company, the hubs are designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands by providing students with practical, hands-on exposure to emerging technologies and digital innovation.

Each of the centres will function as a multidisciplinary learning and development space, offering training in software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, robotics, product design, and entrepreneurship. Beyond technical skills, the hubs will also focus on building problem-solving capacity and innovation-driven thinking among students.

Moniepoint further disclosed that the programme will be open to students across all faculties, not just those in science and technology-related disciplines. Selected participants will benefit from structured cohort-based learning, mentorship from industry professionals, real-world project engagement, internship opportunities, and direct collaboration with Moniepoint’s engineering and product teams

The initiative expands on the company’s earlier contributions to education and tech development, including the CAD/CAM laboratory at OAU and the HatchDev programme previously implemented at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which aimed at equipping students with practical software development skills.

Speaking at the launch, Moniepoint Chief Executive Officer, Tosin Eniolorunda, emphasized the importance of building Nigeria’s digital future through locally trained, industry-ready talent emerging from universities.

University administrators and stakeholders have also welcomed the project, noting that the innovation hubs are expected to significantly expand access to modern learning tools while inspiring more students to pursue careers in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Moniepoint stated that the hubs are not intended to function as traditional classrooms, but rather as launchpads for future innovators who will play active roles in shaping Africa’s growing digital economy.