The planned establishment of three innovation hubs by Moniepoint Inc across Nigerian universities has received strong endorsement from academia, with Professor Adesola Aderounmu describing the ₦3 billion initiative as a significant boost to technology talent development and digital innovation in the country.
Techeconomy had reported Moniepoint’s launch of a ₦3 billion commitment to establish Innovation Hubs at Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria and Ahmadu Bello University over the next three years, in what is being regarded as one of the largest private-sector investments in technology education and innovation infrastructure within Nigeria’s higher education system.
Speaking at the launch of the Moniepoint Innovation Initiative at Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Aderounmu, deputy vice-chancellor (Academics), said the project represents a major step toward equipping young Nigerians with practical digital skills required in today’s technology-driven economy.
According to him, innovation remains a critical driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and sustainable development, making investments in youth-focused technology programmes essential for preparing the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology professionals.
He noted that the innovation hubs will provide students with access to hands-on training in software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, product development, design, and entrepreneurship, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs.
Aderounmu also highlighted Moniepoint’s previous contributions to the university, recalling that the company established a Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) Laboratory for the Department of Mechanical Engineering two years ago.
He said the facility has strengthened practical learning, research, innovation, and technical capacity development among students and faculty members.
The new innovation hubs form part of the broader Moniepoint Innovation Initiative, which seeks to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation among Nigerian youths.
Moniepoint said the three universities were selected to ensure broad regional impact and equitable access to opportunities across Nigeria.
The company noted that each hub will serve as a permanent centre for innovation-driven learning, capacity building, and technology development.
Beyond providing technical training, the initiative is expected to create a platform for knowledge exchange between industry and academia, supporting the development of a pipeline of skilled talent capable of driving Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Aderounmu commended Moniepoint for what he described as a forward-looking investment in Nigeria’s future workforce and encouraged students to maximise the opportunities that the programme will offer.
