The recently concluded intensive 8-week online programme, trained 100 university students, emerging innovators, and tech enthusiasts.

Participants were equipped with critical software testing skills, preparing them to play pivotal roles in maintaining the quality and security of software products.

The programme was implemented through the Fintech Development and Advocacy Initiative arm of FSI, a platform dedicated to facilitating financial services innovation in Nigeria.

The Software Testing Programme aims to bridge the gap between academia and the financial services industry by offering hands-on, practical training tailored to market demands.

Speaking on the partnership and success of the programme, Muyiwa Asagba, Managing Director, Digital Commerce and Merchant Acquiring (Interswitch Inclusio) said:

“Innovation thrives when young minds are given the tools to succeed, and Interswitch is proud to sponsor this initiative, which aligns with our vision of nurturing a digitally inclusive future. By investing in these talents and providing them with practical, industry-relevant skills in software testing, we are not just enhancing the software testing ecosystem but also nurturing a generation of innovators who will shape the future of financial services in Nigeria and beyond. Initiatives like this reaffirm our commitment to promoting a digitally inclusive society while positioning Interswitch as a catalyst for innovation across Africa.”

Participants gained practical expertise in software quality assurance, addressing critical industry needs while bolstering their readiness for Nigeria’s burgeoning technology landscape. A standout feature of the programme was the recognition of top-performing participants, five of whom secured internship opportunities, giving them invaluable real-world experience and a head start in their careers.

Aituaz Kola-Oladejo, executive director, Financial Services Innovators (FSI), highlighted the programme’s transformation impact.

She said:

“We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of our 8-week Fundamentals of Software Testing course, which empowered 100 youths, 90% of whom are students in tertiary institutions. This training underscores our unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through education and skills development. Our goal is to equip young people with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in future technology-driven careers, enhancing their employability and positioning them as globally competitive professionals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Interswitch for sponsoring this 3rd Cohort. Their support reflects a strong commitment to advancing technology ecosystem initiatives that drive national progress and innovation.”

By championing initiatives like the Intensive Software Testing Programme, Interswitch reinforces its position as a leader in driving technological advancement and empowering the next generation of African innovators.

This collaboration not only strengthens the company’s reputation as a catalyst for innovation but also fosters goodwill and loyalty within the tech ecosystem, paving the way for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s financial services landscape.

She disclosed this at a media parley heralding the 3rd anniversary of the organisation in Lagos during the week.

According to the executive director, of FSI, a non-profit organisation committed to enabling startups within the technology and financial space, in its three years of operations, the company has had both direct and indirect impacts on the nation’s technology ecosystem through empowerment, entrepreneurship and mentorship.

Reeling out the company’s numerous achievements since its launch in 2021, Kola-Oladejo said: “Our achievements include the promotion of open innovation amongst top players in the tech ecosystem and enhancement of access to Fintech APIs. So far, 16 Fintech API partners including banks already have 321 API end-points on the innovations sandbox, while 125 Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) have been created from the sandbox. With 728 corporate members, 3,438 individual members, 2,535 student members and over 1,900 participants in nine innovation challenges, FSI has indeed come a long way.”

In the past three years, FSI had organised nine hackathons aimed at addressing financial inclusion challenges in agriculture, transportation, health, trade and commerce, as well as energy. Also, the Non Profit Organisation, which has members drawn from Africa, Asia, Europe, Central and North America, played a leading role in the promotion of innovative culture in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

“Right now, FSI has 2,535 student members, 712 campus ambassadors since its launch in 2021, while three universities have shown interest in adopting the FSI platform for tech innovation,” Kola-Oladejo explained, adding, “FSI has offered 141 free start-up clinics, had 114 participants in our Business Validation series, while $81,000 US Dollars was awarded winners of our innovation challenges to commence operations as start-ups. On both national and global scales, FSI has facilitated productivity through youth and startup empowerment, and enhancement of Nigerian tech products.”