Shettima Launches Free Financial Literacy Training For 10 Million Nigerians

According to official reports, the Federal Government has launched a free nationwide financial literacy and inclusion training programme aimed at equipping 10 million Nigerians with essential financial, investment, and digital skills, with a focus on women and youths. The initiative is organised by the Office of the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, which he chairs.

The programme involves a strategic partnership with six professional bodies, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, the National Institute of Credit Administration, the Chartered Risk Management Institute, and the Nigerian Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to jointly develop training modules, certification pathways, digital skills initiatives, and mentorship platforms, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s financial and enterprise workforce.

Speaking at the event, Vice-President Shettima described the MoU as a national investment in human capital, emphasizing that Nigeria’s demographic dividend could only be realised if young people and women are equipped with the right skills and ethical grounding for a rapidly evolving digital economy. He stressed that financial inclusion goes beyond access to financial services, requiring competence, trust, and capability.

Shettima further highlighted that Nigeria could not build a one-trillion-dollar economy on weak skills or disconnected professional ecosystems. “This MoU establishes a structured mechanism for joint training programmes, policy dialogue, digital skills development, and professional standards that align market practice with national inclusion goals,” he said.

The Vice-President reiterated that the programme prioritises women and youth, noting that capacity building is central to effective financial inclusion. He called on the committee and partner institutions to treat the MoU as a living document focused on execution rather than formality.

On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, Shettima officially flagged off the free training programme for 10 million Nigerians across the country.

The President of ICAN, Malam Haruna Yahaya, commended the Federal Government for its economic reforms, describing the programme as a direct outcome of the administration’s policy initiatives. Technical partners, including WAWU Africa, assured their readiness to deliver the digital platforms and enabling environment necessary for the programme’s success. The event’s highlight was the formal signing of the MoU between the government and the six professional bodies.