The University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Credit Registry, Nigeria’s leading credit bureau, to establish an Africa Consumer Credit Academy (ACCA) at the institution.
The signing ceremony, held at the Senate Chamber, UNILAG, brought together members of the University Management and representatives of Credit Registry. The Credit Registry delegation was led by the Company’s Non-Executive Director, Mr. Emeka Emenike. He underscored the importance of strong credit standing as a foundation for national development and sustainable economic growth.
Representing the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, the Chief Information Officer, Mrs. Nse Ikhide described the MoU as more than a formal agreement but a clear declaration of intent. She explained that the ACCA is designed to instil financial discipline among students and faculty, thereby bridging the gap between academic excellence and economic resilience.
She explained that the collaboration offers several benefits for students and faculty, including:
- For students: early exposure to credit systems, budgeting, financial management, and the development of positive financial profiles; access to certification, mentorship, and industry engagement through platforms such as the Africa Credit Expo; and empowerment to become entrepreneurs and job creators rather than job seekers.
- For faculty: access to financial literacy tools for personal and professional growth, as well as opportunities for research collaboration, programme delivery, and scalable content development.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Prof. Bola Oboh described the MoU as a deliberate and strategic step towards strengthening UNILAG’s holistic education model which combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. She noted that the ACCA would help address the challenges faced by students engaged in business ventures and freelance work without structured exposure to financial literacy or credit education.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Omotola Soares reaffirmed Credit Registry’s mission to make students financially visible and credible, enabling them to build generational wealth. Similarly, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Afolabi Lesi, expressed optimism about the tangible impact of the MoU beyond the signing ceremony.
The UNILAG–Credit Registry collaboration is designed to integrate financial literacy, credit education, and wealth-building skills into the UNILAG student experience. It aligns with Nigeria’s national vision of empowering youth through entrepreneurship and financial responsibility. Ultimately, the partnership seeks to embed financial education into student life, equipping both students and faculty with tools for economic resilience, entrepreneurship, and long-term wealth creation.
Author: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Editor: Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem
Photographer: Ayo Oloyede
