Nigeria Students Learn Money Skills at Financial Fair

Students across Nigeria's capital learned critical money skills this week that could shape their financial futures for decades to come.

The Central Bank of Nigeria teamed up with fintech company OPay to host Global Money Week 2026 at their Abuja headquarters on April 28. Students from five secondary schools, including Doveland International School and Government Day Secondary School Wuse, participated in the "Smart Money Talks" event focused on teaching responsible money management.

The initiative addresses a growing need. Dr. Aisha Isa-Olatinwo, Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion at CBN, explained that financial literacy has become essential for individuals, families, and the broader economy in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Nelson Amuwa, Head of Consumer Education at CBN, emphasized that encouraging open conversations about money helps young people build confidence in making informed financial decisions. These skills will serve them throughout their lives as Nigeria's economy becomes increasingly digital.

Students didn't just listen to lectures. The fair featured interactive sessions where they practiced money management and savings strategies, gaining hands-on experience with real-world financial scenarios.

OPay set up an interactive booth where students explored digital financial products designed specifically for their needs. The fintech company, which has operated in Nigeria since 2018, offers services ranging from money transfers to bill payments.

Why This Inspires

This partnership shows how government and private sector collaboration can create lasting change. By reaching students early, the initiative plants seeds for a financially literate generation that can make smarter decisions about saving, spending, and investing.

Chukwudinma Okafor, OPay's Chief Compliance Officer, noted that equipping young people with financial knowledge builds trust and ensures they can engage safely in the financial system. Paul Iwunwa, OPay's Senior Marketing Manager, added that financial literacy forms the foundation of true financial inclusion.

Global Money Week happens worldwide each year, designed to give young people the knowledge they need for sound financial decisions. In Nigeria, where digital financial services are rapidly expanding, these skills matter more than ever.

The students who attended this fair now have tools their parents might never have learned in school, preparing them for a future where managing money digitally will be second nature.