Moniepoint Inc has announced a N3 billion investment to establish innovation hubs in three federal universities, aiming to deepen technology education and expand access to digital skills training across Nigeria. The initiative was unveiled during a ceremony at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Odun State, and will see the creation of innovation hubs at OAU, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) over the next three years.
The company stated that the institutions were selected to ensure geographical spread and broaden access to opportunities across Nigeria's regions. Each hub is expected to function as a centre for practical learning in software engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, product development, design, data science, and entrepreneurship. The programme will be open to students from all faculties and will feature cohort-based training, mentorship, and real-world project execution.
Commitment to Building Tech Talent
Speaking at the launch, Moniepoint Group Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Tosin Eniolorunda, said the initiative aims to build a sustainable pipeline of technology talent capable of supporting Nigeria's digital economy. He noted, '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, localised talent density.'
Eniolorunda added that the hubs represent the first phase of a broader intervention targeting tertiary institutions across the country. He further stated, '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.'
University Leadership Applauds Partnership
Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, described the partnership as a major boost for innovation and student development. According to him, the innovation hub will expand learning opportunities and help students translate ideas into practical solutions capable of addressing societal challenges. '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,' he said.
Comprehensive Support Beyond Infrastructure
Beyond infrastructure funding, Moniepoint said its engineering, product, and business teams will support curriculum development, mentorship programmes, internship pathways, and expert-led training sessions to ensure participants acquire industry-relevant experience. The company explained that students enrolled in the hubs will work on live projects and gain access to its network of engineers, investors, and technology leaders.
Launch Event Attendees
The launch ceremony was attended by vice-chancellors of the participating institutions, academics, industry stakeholders, alumni, and student representatives. Among those present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, OAU, Professor G.A. Aderounmu; Dean, Faculty of Technology, OAU, Professor L.E. Umoru; Dean, Faculty of Science, OAU, Professor O.A. Adesina; DVC Academic of UNN, Professor Kamoru O. Usman; and DVC, Advancement, Research and Innovation, ABU, Professor Aliyu Sanusi. Others included Vice President, People Operations, Moniepoint, Chinaza Nduka-Dike, and Senior Vice President, Enterprise Network Sales, Ifeanyi Duru.
Previous Interventions
Moniepoint noted that the initiative builds on previous interventions by the Tosin Eniolorunda STEM Foundation, including the establishment of a CAD/CAM laboratory at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, OAU, valued at over N100 million. The company also referenced the HatchDev programme at the University of Lagos, championed by Moniepoint co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Felix Ike, in partnership with NiITHub Innovation Centre, which trains about 500 young software developers annually.
