The programme, announced on April 2, brings open payments education into classrooms in North America, Europe, Australia and Africa.

It focuses on teaching students how to design systems that can work across different platforms, currencies and borders without the usual friction.

Today, payments are still split across multiple channels. Businesses usually rely on cash, cards, transfers and newer digital options, each with its own setup.

These systems rarely connect well. As a result, transactions that could be instant still take days, and costs is high.

The foundation is trying to change that through its Interledger Protocol, an open-source system designed to allow money to move freely between networks.

The idea is that different systems should talk to each other without limitations. If adopted widely, it could support digital payment infrastructure similar to national systems like India’s UPI or Brazil’s Pix, but with the added ability to work across borders.

Now, that thinking is being pushed into universities.

In Nigeria, Covenant University is introducing two courses focused on open payments and the Interledger system. Students will build real fintech tools through labs, hackathons and community projects aimed at improving financial access.

Across other regions, the approach varies but the goal stays the same. Some schools are embedding the coursework into business programmes.

Others are running internships, startup labs or research hubs. In South Africa, students are already building full payment applications as part of their final projects. In Kenya, the focus is on helping underbanked communities through student-led solutions.

In the United States, several historically Black colleges and universities are also involved. Students there are working on prototypes that address gaps in financial access while gaining practical experience.

The foundation says this is about building a pipeline of people who understand the limits of current systems and can improve them.

“The next generation of leaders has the opportunity to build payment systems that improve the closed, siloed systems of the past,” said Briana Marbury, president and CEO of the Interledger Foundation.

“Working with these universities, we have the opportunity to instil in students the knowledge and tools they need to design for interoperability from day one, so open payments become the standard, rather than the exception.”

This education drive sits within the organisation’s goal to expand open financial systems globally. It has already committed more than $21 million to over 200 projects in 42 countries, supporting developers, startups and researchers working on payment solutions.

More partnerships are expected as the foundation plans to open applications to additional schools later this year, as it looks to grow the programme and bring more students into the space.

Themed “Limitless Future,” the career fair brought together seasoned professionals, and innovative educators to inspire the next generation of industry leaders.

Through interactive workshops, insightful panel discussions, and networking opportunities, students gained invaluable insights into the ever-evolving technology landscape.

The partnership between Zarttalent Foundation and Covenant University underscores a shared vision to empower the final year, post-graduates and the I.T eligible students with practical knowledge and experiences that will serve as a springboard for their careers.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the impact of the partnership on the students, Nelson Ajulo, the chief executive officer, Zarttalent Foundation, said,

“At Zarttalent Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of education and technology. Our partnership with Covenant University for the 2024 Career Fair reflects our dedication to equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

By embracing the theme of ‘Limitless Future,’ we are empowering students to dream big, think outside the box, and confidently pursue their passions. Together with Covenant University, we’re paving the way for a future with endless possibilities.”

Recall that in the first quarter of 2024, the foundation initiated partnerships with Nigerian universities, commencing with a well-received event at Afe Babalola University in Ekiti State.

This event attracted over 100 students exposed to tech courses and workshops created by the Zarttalent Academy.

A 2022 report by the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency on the IT talent gap assessment in Nigeria suggested that there is a big gap between what the Universities deliver in terms of IT knowledge compared to what the alternative technology organisations deliver.

Consequently, Zartaalent aims to address this gap by introducing students to advanced tech courses to enhance their skills.

The 2024 Career Fair marks the beginning of an exciting journey for students at Covenant University, as they embark on a path filled with endless opportunities and boundless potential.

Through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, Zarttalent Foundation and Covenant University are poised to shape the future of technology and empower the leaders of tomorrow.