Financial technology company, Moniepoint, has partnered with the African Leadership University (ALU), School of Business, to launch a specialised executive education programme aimed at professionals in technology, finance and entrepreneurship.

It is a 13-week programme designed to build capacity in leadership, management and data-driven decision-making.

According to the organisation, the programme will be delivered through a mix of in-person sessions, live virtual classes and self-directed study.

The organisation said the course content was designed to equip participants with technical, analytical and people-management skills required in the financial services sector, which has seen rapid changes in products, regulation and customer expectations in recent years.

The programme targets mid-career professionals as well as students and young graduates seeking to enter technology, finance and entrepreneurship.

The company noted that employers are increasingly looking for candidates who combine technical expertise with leadership and management competencies.

Speaking on the partnership, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Moniepoint, Tosin Eniolorunda, said Nigeria’s participation in the global digital economy will depend on deliberate investment in local talent.

“If we want Nigeria’s digital economy to compete globally, we can’t outsource the people who run it; we have to build them deliberately here,” Eniolorunda said.

He added that leadership development is necessary to ensure digital infrastructure and financial services reach businesses and communities across the country.

He specifically referenced micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which he described as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.

Eniolorunda also pointed out that the firm’s investment in human capital reflects the need to match technological advancement with management capacity if Africa is to sustain economic growth and expand financial inclusion.

He added that the partnership is also intended to address gaps identified in management capability, communication and evidence-based decision-making among professionals in the sector.

Education stakeholders have lamented in recent years the disconnect between university curricula and industry requirements.

They noted that collaboration between companies and business schools is imperative to provide professionals with practical skills, while still grounding training in academic frameworks.