President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wants Nigerian universities to teach students how the stock market works.
The President believes early financial education could help young Nigerians build wealth and make smarter investment choices.
The proposal could also strengthen Nigeria’s capital market by creating more financially informed investors and future entrepreneurs.
Tinubu made the call during a meeting with the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) leadership at the State House in Abuja.
The NGX delegation was led by its Chairman, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, and Group Managing Director and CEO, Temi Popoola.
Tinubu stressed that students should gain practical financial knowledge before leaving university.
He linked stronger financial skills to wealth creation and Nigeria’s wider economic growth.
“If the stock market is doing well, then we are doing well. We can teach this in classrooms to our undergraduates. If they can be in the classroom without the harrowing feeling of how to pay and what to pay, then we can build a nation of success and prosperity,” President Tinubu stated.
The President’s comments come as the Nigerian Exchange reports major growth in its market value.
According to NGX officials, listed equities have grown from below ₦30 trillion in May 2023 to about ₦160 trillion.
The exchange also expects market capitalisation to reach ₦230 trillion by the end of the year.
Tinubu praised members of his Economic Management Team for supporting reforms aimed at strengthening private-sector growth.
Those mentioned included Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Finance Minister Wale Edun and Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu.
FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji was also commended for his role in the administration’s economic programme.
The proposed university programme could give students a better understanding of stocks, investments and the wider Nigerian capital market.
For Tinubu, teaching stock market trading could become part of a broader effort to promote financial independence among young Nigerians.
