OAU, UNN, ABU to Benefit from Moniepoint’s N3bn Tech Innovation Investment

Fintech giant Moniepoint has announced a N3 billion investment to establish innovation hubs across three Nigerian federal universities over the next three years, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s technology talent pipeline.

The company disclosed that the Moniepoint Innovation Hubs will be established at Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University.

According to Moniepoint, the institutions were strategically selected to ensure that technology and innovation opportunities are distributed across Nigeria’s major geographic regions rather than concentrated in a single city.

The initiative was formally unveiled at OAU, Ile-Ife, during an event attended by vice chancellors of the three universities, industry stakeholders, student representatives, alumni, and members of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.

What the Innovation Hubs Will Offer

Moniepoint said each innovation hub will serve as a permanent training centre for students across multiple disciplines, offering hands-on programmes in:

Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Data Science
Robotics
Product Development
UI/UX Design
Entrepreneurship
Other emerging technology fields

The hubs will operate through structured cohort-based programmes that combine mentorship, practical learning, and real-world project execution designed to improve students’ career readiness and employability.

What Moniepoint Is Saying

Speaking at the launch event, Moniepoint Group Co-founder and CEO, Tosin Eniolorunda, said the initiative is focused on building a sustainable pipeline of industry-ready technology talent within Nigeria.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Eniolorunda also revealed that Moniepoint plans to expand the initiative to additional tertiary institutions in the future.

Universities Welcome the Partnership

Vice Chancellor of OAU, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, described the collaboration as a significant boost for higher education and innovation in Nigeria.

“This partnership with Moniepoint Group is a powerful affirmation of our belief that knowledge must serve society,” he said.

“The Moniepoint Innovation Hub will not only expand what our students can learn but also transform what they believe is possible.”

Beyond Infrastructure

Beyond funding the physical hubs, Moniepoint said it will also provide:

Curriculum support
Mentorship opportunities
Internship pathways
Expert-led learning sessions
Industry exposure through Moniepoint’s engineering and product teams

Students participating in the programme will also gain access to live projects and direct connections to Moniepoint’s wider network of engineers, investors, and industry leaders.

Why This Matters

Moniepoint’s investment adds to growing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s local technology talent ecosystem.

While many innovation hubs in Nigeria remain concentrated in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, the initiative represents a deliberate push to decentralize access to technology education and innovation opportunities for students in other regions of the country.

The company noted that the programme builds on previous investments made through the Tosin Eniolorunda STEM Foundation, including the establishment of a CAD/CAM laboratory valued at over N100 million at OAU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Moniepoint also referenced the HatchDev programme at University of Lagos, championed by Moniepoint Co-founder and CTO, Felix Ike, in partnership with the NiITHub innovation centre, which reportedly trains about 500 developers annually.