The initiative represents one of the most significant private-sector investments in Nigerian higher education in recent memory.

The Moniepoint Innovations Hubs will be built at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).

The three institutions were strategically selected to scale the impact of the interventions across Nigeria’s geographic regions and to reflect a commitment to ensuring that opportunity is not concentrated in a single city or region but is proportionally distributed across the country, in line with Nigeria’s diversity and potential.

Each Moniepoint Innovation Hub will serve as a permanent centre for hands-on training in software engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence; design; robotics; product development; and entrepreneurship.

Open to students across all faculties, the programme will guide participants from curiosity to career readiness through structured, cohort-based learning, mentorship, and real-world project execution.

The initiative was formally announced today at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife in a ceremony attended by the Vice-Chancellors of all three universities, senior leaders from academia and industry, student representatives, alumni, and members of Nigeria’s broader innovation ecosystem.

Speaking on the initiative, Tosin Eniolorunda, co-founder and chief executive officer, Moniepoint Group,  said,

“When you look at the success of companies like Moniepoint, it’s easy to forget that it all started with the foundational training we received right here in Nigerian universities. This initiative is about paying that trust forward. Nigeria’s digital economy cannot run on potential alone; it requires immense, localized talent density. By launching these Innovation Hubs beginning with OAU, UNN, and ABU Zaria, we are intentionally anchoring world-class technical skills across the country.

And this is just the first step as we look across other tertiary institutions. Before we built anything, universities like UNILAG and OAU built people like Felix and I, giving us our first formal training in the disciplines that became our careers.”

Furthermore, Eniolorunda continued,

“Nigeria’s future will to a very large extent be built by Nigerians trained in Nigerian institutions. These three Hubs are my contribution to making that future credible by creating a solid pipeline for the emergence of great products and ideas. To truly scale our digital economy, we need high-density, industry-ready tech talent as a bulwark. We are investing these billions of Naira to ensure our tech ecosystem is powered by sustainable, homegrown excellence.”

Also speaking at the announcement ceremony, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, the vice chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University,  stated,

“Obafemi Awolowo University has always stood for excellence, and for the belief that knowledge must serve society. This partnership with Moniepoint Group is a powerful affirmation of that conviction. The Moniepoint Innovation Hub will not only expand what our students can learn but also transform what they believe is possible. We are grateful to Moniepoint for choosing to root this investment in our institutions, and we are committed to ensuring that every naira translates into opportunity for our students and for Nigeria.”

Beyond financial support, Moniepoint Inc will contribute deep industry expertise through curriculum development, mentorship, internship pathways, and expert-led learning experiences.

The company’s engineering, product, and business teams will collaborate directly with each hub to ensure that training is not only globally relevant but also firmly grounded in the realities and demands of the modern African technology ecosystem.

The hubs are designed to be living institutions, not lecture halls, but launchpads of Nigerian excellence. Students will complete structured cohort programmes, work on live projects, and benefit from direct connections to Moniepoint’s network of engineers, investors, and industry leaders.

The goal is not simply to teach skills, but to produce the builders and problem-solvers who will shape the next chapter of Africa’s digital economy.

The ceremony which attracted dignitaries from within and outside the University included Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Professor G.A Aderounmu, Dean, Faculty of Technology, OAU, Professor L. E. Umoru, Dean of the Faculty of Science, OAU, Professor O.A Adesina, DVC Academic of UNN, Professor Kamoru O Usman, DVC, Advancement, Research & Innovation”, ABU, Professor Aliyu Sanusi, Former Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Obayopo, VP, People Operations, Moniepoint, Chinaza Nduka-Dike, SVP, Enterprise Network Sales, Ifeanyi Duru amongst others.

It will be recalled that Moniepoint Innovation Hubs builds on earlier investments by the Tosin Eniolorunda STEM Foundation in building a CAD/CAM laboratory at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, OAU valued at over 100m naira and the HatchDev Program at the University of Lagos championed by Moniepoint’s co-founder & Chief Technology Officer, Felix Ike in partnership with NiITHub innovation centre where about 500 young developers are trained annually.

The initiative reinforces Moniepoint’s broader mission to create financial happiness for every African, everywhere, a mission that, the company believes, requires investing not only in financial infrastructure, but in the institutions and talent pipelines that will drive Africa’s future prosperity.

HatchDev, a nine-month program aims to address the tech talent shortage in Nigeria by training 500 individuals with the skills needed to excel as junior software engineers, intelligent systems developers, and IoT/embedded systems engineers.

In line with the Ministry of Communications’ goal of creating 2 million digital jobs, HatchDev has done a careful selection process to ensure its participants are well-groomed for the challenges ahead, and has already successfully trained and placed software engineers in the first cohort. 

Benefits 

Participants stand a chance to receive the following benefits:

• Market-ready skills: Gain comprehensive training in various tech fields, including Front-end, Back-end, Mobile App Development, UI/UX Design, Data Science, and Embedded Systems/IoT.
• Hands-on experience: Learn from industry experts and apply your skills through real-life projects.
• Real-world internship: Secure a three-month internship at Moniepoint Inc. or partner organizations to gain practical experience.
• Career opportunities: Become a valuable asset in the growing Nigerian tech industry.

Eligibility

In order to qualify for the HatchDev program, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must have a keen interest in technology and be willing to learn more about it
• You should possess a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and foundational JavaScript. This knowledge will enable you to make the most of the program and benefit from it. 
• Lastly, you must be fully committed to the program’s duration and schedule. This will ensure that you attend all sessions and complete all assignments on time. 

How to Apply

Applications for the second cohort are open until February 18, 2024. Don’t miss this chance to launch your tech career via HatchDev and become a part of the next generation of software engineers facilitating a sustainable future for Nigeria’s tech industry.

This is in recognition of the catalytic role as well as the potential of tech hubs in driving economic growth, promoting inclusive development, pushing the boundaries of innovation so as to address some of the country’s most pressing challenges and increasing demand for digital solutions that will make life better across different spheres of our national life.

In demonstration of its oft-stated commitment to powering the dreams of individuals and businesses, leading financial technology company, Moniepoint Inc, announced its support for the Enugu Tech Summit in its firm belief that empowering and investing in tech hubs outside of traditional centers is essential for creating a more inclusive technology landscape in Nigeria.

The Enugu Tech Summit, brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and government stakeholders to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the technology sector.

By sponsoring and actively participating in this event, Moniepoint aims to contribute to the development of the nation’s burgeoning tech sector which will give room for the creation of more startups that will positively impact the country’s economy.

Ifeanyi Duru, Vice President, Sales and Partnerships, Moniepoint Inc.,

“We are excited to support the Enugu Tech Summit as it is a firm explication of the passion which we have shown over time in fostering financial inclusion and our conviction that by diversifying the geographical footprint of technology hubs, Nigeria can fully harness the benefits that come with a well-oiled, balanced and evenly spread system. We are confident that events like this and the recently held Akwa Ibom Tech Week which we also supported will play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology in Nigeria.”

In his keynote address, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah promised that his administration would continue to train at least 40,000 youths across the state in relevant digital and entrepreneurial skills that would enable them to compete globally. Speaking to the theme of the summit, “Innovation Unleashed: Transforming Enugu’s Future”, Mbah said the strategic role of his government in enabling a better and viable future for the youths operating in the state was to provide an environment full of opportunities for them to thrive.

He stressed that measures were being put in place that would ignite the young people in the state to unleash their creative energies by embracing the emerging future of robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, innovation through skills in information and technology.

“My objective here is to get you to begin to think digitally, to understand that the emerging future is the one that requires you to acquire a digital skill to thrive. The innovation landscape here is not barren at all. With your innovation here, you are able to create a greener pasture right here on our soil than any other place in the world. See this event as a serious business where you have come to acquire a skill; a skill of a lifetime. A skill that will enable you to conquer the world right here in Enugu State,” the governor said.

Williams Uchemba, convener and founder of TxE Africa, expressed his gratitude to sponsors like Moniepoint while stating that this year’s event represented the huge potential and promise that Enugu holds for the youths in the fields of technology and entrepreneurship.

Gov Mbah: Enugu to Equip 40,000 Youths with Digital, Entrepreneurial Skills Annually

It will be noted that the emergence of tech innovation hubs in many countries around the world has contributed to the growth of their GDP as it is a veritable means of creating jobs, attracting investments, expansion of the economic base, and stimulating socio economic development.

Nithub University of Lagos in partnership with Moniepoint Inc, Africa’s leading digital financial services provider, has announced the graduation of the pioneer cohort from its HatchDev programme.

This nine-month specialized training, generously sponsored by Moniepoint, is designed to produce hundreds of market-ready software engineers every year.

In Nigeria, where the digital economy is rapidly expanding, there is a pressing need for skilled tech talent.

According to estimates, there are only around 115,000 developers in Nigeria, highlighting a significant talent shortage that hampers the growth of the tech sector.

Recognizing this challenge, Moniepoint in partnership with Nithub is taking proactive steps to bridge the gap and empower the youth with valuable skills for a brighter future.

The highly competitive programme with a strict recruitment policy, which began in October 2022, aspires to yearly shape 300 junior software engineers, 100 intelligent systems developers, and 100 IoT/embedded systems engineers.

These professionals, upon completion of the course, will be readily absorbed into a market eager for their expertise. The programme’s structure is such that it starts with nine months of classroom-based training, culminating in a three-month industry-specific internship.

NItHub envisions a transformative approach to the use and creation of digital technology in Nigeria. This vision encompasses upskilling, startup incubation, product development, all aimed at setting new benchmarks for digital proficiency and innovation in Nigeria.

Also,  Moniepoint, with its extensive reach and influence, plays a pivotal role in this digital revolution and financial inclusion. Currently, 1.6 million businesses across Nigeria rely on Moniepoint’s suite of payment, credit, and business management tools to achieve socioeconomic growth and stability.

The platform facilitates an average monthly transaction value of $12 billion, demonstrating its profound impact on businesses and the economy at large.

Speaking on the success of the initiative, Chukwudum Ekwueme, VP Engineering, Moniepoint, expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “Nigeria is a booming economy and with the innovative contributions of tech businesses, like Moniepoint, that are solving some of society’s critical issues, it is very gratifying to be a significant part of those giving local talent the training and tools they need to compete on a global stage. Also, this initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of empowering the next generation of tech leaders. We believe that by investing in talent development, we can accelerate Nigeria’s growth in the digital economy and contribute to the overall prosperity of our great nation.”

Africa’s Internet economy is revolutionizing development on the continent by creating job opportunities, stimulating economic growth, and offering innovative solutions to complex challenges, including access to healthcare, education, and finance.

This transformation is driven by factors such as increased access to high-quality Internet connectivity, a burgeoning urban population, a growing pool of tech talent, and a vibrant startup ecosystem.

Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, NitHub Director and HatchDev project lead, said: “Nigeria is at a critical inflection point at the moment as we continue to grow and develop our economy. As a new wave of technology companies emerge, and with increased digitalisation in every aspect of life, it’s vital that we have the local talent available here to ensure homegrown businesses can reach their full potential. That’s why courses like HatchDev are so valuable – we’re training Nigeria’s top future talent. We’re delighted to be working with Moniepoint to help bring this vision to life.`

Some industry analysts have averred that the initiative between Moniepoint and NitHub, University of Lagos, is poised to be a game-changer in the tech industry.

By equipping young Nigerians with cutting-edge skills through the HatchDev programme, they are opening doors to limitless possibilities and helping Nigeria tap into its full potential in the digital era.