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House of Reps Committee Lauds LASU as Model of Digital Integrity, Transparency in Education

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SALU-HUNDEYIN 16TH OCTOBER 2025

The Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, has been commended by the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Certificate Racketeering for its exemplary transparency, innovation, and leadership in digital education management.

The commendation came during the Committee’s working visit to the University Management on Wednesday, 15th October 2025, held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, LASU Main Campus, Ojo.

The delegation, led by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Abubakar H. Fulata, included Hon. Iliyasu Aliyin, Hon. Yusuf Kure, Hon. Rabiu Yusuf, Esq., Hon. K. Abdul-Hakeem, Hon. Adams Ogene, and Hon. Faud K. Laguda. The lawmakers interacted with LASU’s management on measures the institution has adopted to curb admission and certificate racketeering in tertiary institutions nationwide.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, welcomed the Committee and praised the House’s efforts to sanitise the nation’s education system.

Professor Olatunji-Bello who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Taiwo Afisi, reiterated LASU’s commitment to integrity and transparency, stating that the institution’s fully digitalised academic operations, from admission to certificate issuance, make record manipulation or forgery practically impossible.

“LASU is Nigeria’s most digitalised university. Every process, from admission, registration, and assessment to certificate issuance, is automated and transparent,” she said. “Each LASU certificate carries a unique QR code that allows instant verification anywhere in the world, guaranteeing authenticity and eliminating forgery.”

She further revealed that the University achieved a 98% success rate in its most recent accreditation exercises, reflecting LASU’s adherence to global academic and administrative standards.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin, explained that LASU’s integration of National Identification Numbers (NIN) in student registration adds another layer of verification and accountability. He noted that LASU’s seamless integration with the NYSC portal ensures that only verified graduates are cleared for service.

“LASU competes globally in terms of certificate credibility,” he said. “Every record is digitally forensically verifiable. Admission or certificate racketeering is virtually impossible within our system.”

The Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel A. Fanu, briefed the lawmakers on the institution’s internal disciplinary procedures, reiterating LASU’s zero-tolerance policy toward any form of fraud by staff or students. He emphasised that any breach is swiftly addressed through legal and administrative channels to preserve the University’s reputation for integrity.

Other top management officials present included Mr. Said Babatunde Olayinka (Bursar, represented by Mr. Adekunle M. Odunlami), Mrs. O. O. Boyejo (Director, Legal Affairs Division), Mrs. A. T. Meruwoma (Deputy Registrar, Examinations and Records), Dr. Taiwo Mobee (Deputy Registrar, DVC Administration’s Office), and Ms. Pedetin Ogun (Principal Public Relations Officer, CIPR).

Following the presentations, the Committee members lauded LASU as “a model for digital transparency and accountability in higher education.” Chairman Hon. Fulata particularly praised LASU’s adoption of a QR-based verification system, describing it as a national benchmark for fighting certificate fraud.

To demonstrate confidence in the University’s system, the Committee conducted a live test verification of a sample LASU certificate , which was successfully authenticated via the University’s online QR platform.

Wema Bank Completes ₦50bn Special Placement

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Wema Bank Denies NDIC Allegations Over Banana Island Properties, Defends Recovery Actions

Wema Bank Plc has successfully concluded its ₦50 billion special placement, marking the completion of the second tranche of its ongoing capital raise programme.

The offer was fully subscribed, further solidifying the bank’s financial strength and surpassing the regulatory capital requirement for commercial banks with national authorization.

With this milestone, Wema Bank’s total qualifying capital now stands at ₦264.87 billion, well above the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) minimum requirement of ₦200 billion.

This follows the successful completion of the bank’s ₦150 billion Rights Issue in September 2025, underscoring Wema Bank’s proactive approach to capital adequacy and sustainable growth.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Moruf Oseni, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, described the feat as “a major step in the Bank’s strategy to strengthen its capital base, enhance liquidity, and position for long-term expansion.”

“We are delighted to have received all necessary regulatory approvals for our ₦50 billion special placement. This marks another major step in our strategy to strengthen Wema Bank’s capital base, enhance liquidity, and position the institution to pursue emerging opportunities for sustained growth,” Oseni said.

“We appreciate the continued confidence and support of our shareholders, regulators, and customers as we execute our growth agenda.”

According to the bank, proceeds from the capital raise will be strategically deployed to deepen its retail and SME market penetration, expand lending to key productive sectors, and accelerate its digital transformation initiatives. The funds will also support further investments in technology, operational efficiency, and human capital development.

The completion of this round positions Wema Bank for stronger financial performance and increased capacity to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and financial inclusion drive.

Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Learning at World Literacy Day Celebration

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Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Learning at World Literacy Day Celebration

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening digital learning across schools, describing it as essential for equipping students with the skills required to thrive in a fast-changing world.

The Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, stated this in his keynote address at the celebration of the 2025 World Literacy Day and President Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards organised by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) held on Tuesday at the NUT Pavilion, Alausa, Ikeja.

Held under the theme, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, the event celebrated the transformative power of literacy while emphasizing the need to strengthen digital competence among learners and educators.

Alli-Balogun said the ministry was expanding the integration of technology in teaching and learning, focusing on teacher training, equitable digital access, and innovation-driven education.

“The leading edge in education today is digital technology,” he said. “We are promoting capacity-building for teachers, encouraging the use of AI in classrooms, and expanding digital access to ensure no child is left behind.”

The honourable commissioner noted that the ministry had distributed thousands of learning devices to public school students, adding that the initiative was part of the long-term digital education transformation strategy of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

He described literacy as the foundation of all learning and urged schools to balance traditional literacy skills with digital competence to prepare students for the demands of the global economy.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, commended the OEQA for sustaining its role in promoting quality education across the state.

She said that government’s education policies were designed to develop students who are not only academically sound but also socially and morally balanced.

“We have a government that believes deeply in the importance of education and continues to invest in the success of our learners. Beyond academics, we are building students who are socially, morally and culturally balanced,” she said.

Mrs. Dokunmu-Adegbite encouraged students to embrace both literacy and digital learning, describing them as critical tools for success in today’s interconnected world.

In his opening remarks, the Coordinating Director of OEQA, Mr. Remi Abdul, noted that the concept of literacy had evolved beyond reading and writing, stressing that true literacy now includes the ability to interpret information critically and use technology responsibly.

“To promote literacy today means more than ensuring that a child can read and write. It means enabling that child to interpret information critically, apply digital tools responsibly, and adapt to a technology-driven world,” he said.

He noted that the theme resonates deeply with Lagos State’s education agenda as it aligns with the THEMES+ Agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, particularly under the pillar of Human Capital Development.

Mr. Abdul  identified four major ways the theme impacts the state and nation, which according to him included responding to global shifts in learning, bridging access and equity, driving economic transformation and preserving humanity in the digital age through ethical technology use.

Highlighting the activities of the day, he said each segment from essay competitions and poetry citations to debates, drama and cultural displays  reflected how literacy and digital learning combine to nurture critical thinking, creativity and social consciousness in students.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Research at OEQA, Mrs. Evelyn Ibukun Pelemo, described the celebration as a “testament to the power of literacy to transform individuals, communities, and nations.”
“Literacy is the foundation upon which innovation and national progress are built,” she said. “The OEQA is deliberately bridging the gap between traditional literacy and digital competence through quality assurance, collaboration and innovative learning interventions.”

She explained that the 2025 celebration was not only a platform to raise literacy awareness but also to recognize schools and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation, and commitment to educational advancement.

The Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Akintoye Hassan, in his Goodwill Message commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support for the education sector, describing him as a “teacher-friendly governor.”

“If he had failed to identify with the education sector, all the efforts of the Honourable Commissioner and the Office of Education Quality Assurance would not be celebrated in Africa. His belief and commitment have ensured that we have not only accessible education but also a qualitative one.”

Speaking on the global literacy landscape, Akintoye Hassan noted that while Nigeria was not among the top ten countries in global literacy rankings, it was also not among the lowest, a position he described as evidence of progress.

Part of the highlights of the event was the presentation of Awards to schools and teachers in the primary, junior and senior Secondary categories who have been recognized for excellence in education, creativity and commitment to literacy promotion. 

Special recognition awards were also presented to the Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, the Coordinating Director of OEQA, and the Lagos NUT Chairman for their outstanding contributions to educational development in Lagos State.

The event also featured a debate on the role of digital tools in modern learning, poetry recitations, drama performances, Choral Performance and Cultural Display by students from selected schools among others.

The event had in attendance the Six District Education Coordinating Directors of OEQA, the Departmental Heads of OEQA ,the Baale of Otumara, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye amongst others.

Nigeria at 65: Advocates Call for Taiwan-Style Reforms to Deepen Democracy, Strengthen Civic Participation

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Nigeria at 65: Advocates Call for Taiwan-Style Reforms to Deepen Democracy, Strengthen Civic Participation

As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary, democracy advocates, academics, and human rights experts convened at the International Press Centre, IPC, Ogba, Lagos, with a call for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, drawing inspiration from Taiwan’s successful transition from authoritarianism to a vibrant participatory democracy.

The dialogue, with the theme: “Bridging Democracy: Learning from Taiwan – A Democratic and Human Rights Blueprint for Nigeria,” was organized by the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria (HRJN) in partnership with ChatVE, AdvoKC, Access Now, BONews, and Legis360, with support from the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.

Speakers emphasized that, despite 26 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, Nigeria’s democracy still bears the hallmarks of military governance.

“Since 1999, Nigeria has operated in what some describe as a semi-democracy, where institutions remain weak, and leadership retains traces of authoritarian control,” one panelist noted. “To achieve genuine progress, Nigeria must prioritize institutional reforms over personality politics.”

Drawing parallels between Nigeria’s experience and Taiwan’s democratic evolution, discussants highlighted how citizen-centered governance, digital transparency, and civic engagement transformed Taiwan’s political culture.

Professor Suraj Olunifesi, Director of the Africa Centre for Dialogue, underscored the centrality of technology in modern governance.

“Technology is inseparable from democracy. Taiwan created digital spaces where citizens could directly influence policy. Nigeria must learn to build open platforms that allow people to co-govern,” he said.

He added that governance should be “simple, transparent, and fair,” stressing that effective systems—not strong personalities—are the foundation of lasting democracy.

Osariemen Grace Shobanke, Executive Director of the Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative (RJAI), spoke passionately about justice reform and institutional accountability.

“Our justice system routinely fails the poor. Many are imprisoned for minor offences or due to mistaken identity,” she said. “We must build institutions that prioritize fairness and rehabilitation over punishment.”

Shobanke revealed that RJAI has supported over 900 inmates across five Nigerian states, leading to several unconditional releases and the establishment of Nigeria’s first halfway home for returning citizens.

Dr. Philip Olayoku, Coordinator of the West African Transitional Justice Centre, traced Nigeria’s democratic challenges to the colonial legacy of governance structures designed for control rather than service.

“Pre-colonial African societies emphasized participatory and restorative justice,” Olayoku explained. “We must rediscover these principles and rebuild governance systems that are accountable to the people, not the elite.”

He reiterated that strong institutions, not strongmen, remain the true safeguard of democracy.

Speakers also reflected on the role of journalism, research, and activism in strengthening civic participation. Professor Olunifesi challenged media and academic institutions to translate research into real-world advocacy:

“We academics are not just people with pen and paper. Our work must influence change. Citizens, too, must demand transparency from every public institution.”

He urged Nigerians to hold agencies accountable, stating: “Freedom isn’t free—you must defend it. Challenge inefficiency and corruption wherever you find it.”

In closing, HRJN Executive Director Kehinde Adegboyega described the conference as part of a broader pan-African dialogue linking democracy, digital rights, and institutional reform.

“We’re bridging advocacy, media, and citizen action,” he said. “Nigeria’s democracy must evolve—or risk decay.”

Organizers announced that subsequent sessions will focus on how Nigeria can adapt Taiwan’s digital democracy tools and strengthen grassroots legal aid models to advance citizen-led governance.

FG Streamlines Admission Requirements to Expand Access to Tertiary Education

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FG Streamlines Admission Requirements to Expand Access to Tertiary Education

In a bold move to widen access to higher education, the Federal Government has approved a comprehensive reform of admission entry requirements into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at promoting inclusive education and empowering Nigerian youths.

Announcing the reform, Dr. Alausa stated that the policy marks a decisive step toward democratizing tertiary education and breaking down barriers that have long excluded capable candidates.

“Every year, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet only about 700,000 gain admission,” he noted. “This imbalance is not due to a lack of ability but to outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity.”

The revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to enhance access while maintaining academic integrity. The new framework covers universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) as follows:

  • Universities: Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
  • Polytechnics (ND Level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programmes.
  • Polytechnics (HND Level): Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
  • Colleges of Education (NCE Level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes, with English Language mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programmes.
  • Colleges of Education (B.Ed Level): Minimum of five (5) credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, as applicable to the course of study.
  • Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs): To adopt the same minimum requirements as Polytechnics for the National Diploma (ND) programme. The National Innovation Diploma (NID) is hereby abolished.

Furthermore, the National Industrial Diploma (NID) previously issued by IEAs will be phased out and replaced with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity, credibility, and better progression pathways for graduates.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has commenced the re-accreditation of all IEAs nationwide to align with the new standards, with non-compliant institutions facing de-accreditation.

According to Dr. Alausa, the reform will enable an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students to gain admission into tertiary institutions annually. The initiative is expected to reduce the number of out-of-school youths, strengthen vocational and technical education, and align Nigeria’s tertiary education framework with global standards.

“Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed,” the Minister affirmed. “Education remains the most powerful tool for national development, and this reform reflects our unwavering commitment to human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The Federal Government reiterated its dedication to inclusive education and youth empowerment, assuring that ongoing reforms in the education sector are focused on building a generation of skilled, innovative, and globally competitive Nigerians.

CONMMEP Announces Plans for 2025 CSR Workshop

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CONMMEP Announces Plans for 2025 CSR Workshop

The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners, CONMMEP has announced plans to host its 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility Workshop, with the theme: “Empowering Communities Through Strategic Partnerships.”

The event is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Rock View Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, and is set to attract key players across Nigeria’s maritime, corporate, and development sectors.

According to CONMMEP, the annual CSR Workshop underscores its commitment to fostering collaboration among stakeholders to promote sustainable community engagement and inclusive economic growth within and beyond the maritime industry.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Lod Onyeji, Chairman of the Project Organizing Committee, emphasized the importance of partnership-driven solutions in addressing community needs and driving lasting development.

“Empowerment is not achieved in isolation; it requires shared vision, collaboration, and sustained partnerships,” Onyeji said. “Through this workshop, we hope to inspire actionable ideas that promote sustainable development within the maritime ecosystem and beyond.”

He added that the 2025 edition aims to serve as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, community advocates, and corporate organizations to exchange insights and craft strategies that translate into measurable social impact.

The workshop will also highlight CONMMEP’s commitment to leveraging media advocacy and cross-sector collaboration as tools for national development and community progress.

Stakeholders and interested participants are encouraged to attend and contribute to the conversation on how strategic partnerships can build resilient and empowered communities.

Pad Me A Girl Initiative, Senate, Access Bank Empower Girls in Crisis

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Pad Me A Girl Initiative, Senate, Access Bank Empower Girls in Crisis

The Pad Me A Girl Initiative, in partnership with the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, SCOWAS and Access Bank, has commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child with an impactful outreach at the Area 1 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Durumi, Abuja.

The event, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” gathered hundreds of internally displaced girls and women alongside lawmakers, government officials, corporate partners, civil society groups, actors, and media representatives, all united in promoting menstrual health, dignity, and equal opportunity for girls.

In her welcome remarks, Theresa Moses, Convener of Pad Me A Girl Initiative and CEO of Gatmash Media, expressed gratitude to the Senate Committee, Access Bank, and other partners for their support, noting that the initiative seeks to bring hope and empowerment to vulnerable girls and women.

“This year’s theme reminds us that girls are not just victims of crisis, but resilient leaders and change-makers,” Moses said. “Our mission is to ensure that no girl is left behind because of her period, her circumstance, or her background.”

Through its Access Pad Me A Girl Pad Bank, the initiative has reached more than 5,000 girls and women with reusable pads, menstrual hygiene education, and self-esteem building sessions.

She also shared the inspiring story of 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu from Yobe State, who was crowned World’s Best in English Language Skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, beating 20,000 contestants from 69 countries.

“Nafisa’s story is a reminder that brilliance can blossom anywhere — even in the most unlikely places,” Moses added.

Represented by her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Patricia Oyagha, the Chairperson, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, delivered a thought-provoking speech that addressed gender inequality and health stigma in Nigeria.

“For too long, menstruation has been shrouded in silence, stigma, and misinformation,” she said. “Silence around menstruation is not neutrality — it is neglect. And neglect has consequences.”

Senator Kingibe called for a national framework that recognizes menstrual health as a public health, education, and human rights priority, disclosing ongoing legislative efforts to: integrate menstrual health education into national school curricula; support policies for the affordability and availability of menstrual products; and strengthen collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society for grassroots impact.

“When we break the silence, we break the stigma. When we empower girls, we uplift communities. Menstrual hygiene is not a privilege, it’s a necessity,” she emphasized.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, represented by Mrs. Mariam Fitumi Shaibu, Deputy Director of Child Development at the Ministry, commended Pad Me A Girl Initiative for its contribution to gender inclusion and empowerment.

“Today’s celebration is not just to highlight challenges, but to celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of the Nigerian girl,” she said.

She revealed that the Ministry is currently reviewing key national instruments, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015), the Child Rights Act (2003), and the National Child Policy (2009).

The Minister also announced the validation of the National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management, aimed at normalizing menstrual conversations and ensuring nationwide access to hygiene products, facilities, and information.

“Empowering the girl child is not charity; it is nation building,” she affirmed. “The future of Nigeria depends on how well we protect and empower our girls today.”

The event featured a health education session led by Mrs. Blessing Amos, Abuja Team Lead of the Initiative, focusing on menstrual hygiene management, body confidence, and the importance of ending menstrual taboos.

It also included the distribution of empowerment packs containing reusable sanitary pads, exercise books, and food items such as corn flour (Tuwo Masara), custard, and kuli-kuli to hundreds of displaced girls and women.

Supported by ProStar Sports International, BL Consulting, and Vita Baites Foods, the outreach ended with renewed commitment among participants to promote girl-child education, menstrual dignity, and inclusive empowerment across Nigeria.

Pad Me A Girl Initiative is a gender advocacy and empowerment project under Gatmash Media, committed to promoting menstrual hygiene, reproductive health education, and girl-child empowerment. Through its Access Pad Bank, the Initiative has supported over 5,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria with reusable sanitary products, mentorship, and community health education.

Rite Foods Inspires Young Girls at “Empower Her” Initiative

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Rite Foods Inspires Young Girls at “Empower Her” Initiative

Rite Foods Limited has partnered with the Lifelong Impact and Welfare Foundation for the third edition of its Empower Her with JennyUK initiative.

The annual empowerment programme, with the theme: “Unlocking the Potential of the Next Generation,” took place at Gbagada Girls Junior Secondary School, Lagos, where hundreds of young girls participated in engaging sessions on health, hygiene, self-awareness, and personal development.

Rite Foods’ involvement in the event reflects its belief that empowering young people, especially girls, is key to building a stronger and more equitable society. Through the initiative, the company continues to nurture confidence, discipline, and ambition among Nigeria’s future leaders.

Speaking at the event, on “The Role of Self-Care in Empowering the Girl Child: Building Resilience and Shaping Her Vision for the Future,” Olukemi Ogunsakin, Corporate Communications Manager, Rite Foods Limited, explored how self-care serves as a vital tool in empowering young girls to build resilience and shape their vision for the future.

She highlighted how intentional self-care practices, covering mental, emotional, and physical well-being, help girls develop a strong sense of identity, confidence, and balance.

“Beyond being a personal habit, self-care is a form of empowerment, one that nurtures self-worth, promotes self-awareness, and ultimately inspires a generation of girls who are bold, resilient, and ready to create positive change in their communities”, she stressed.

On Rite Foods’ involvement in the initiative, Olukemi emphasized the company’s passion for education, empowerment, and inclusion.

“At Rite Foods, we believe empowerment starts with access to education, the right information, and equal opportunities,” she said. “When young girls recognize their value and strength, they not only shape their own futures but also drive positive change in their sphere of influence. Supporting this initiative is our way of investing in a brighter and more inclusive Nigeria.”

Since its inception in 2023, the Empower Her initiative has mentored and educated hundreds of girls, equipping them with essential knowledge and life skills to help them make informed choices and live confidently.

Speaking at the event, Jenny Ukpai, Founder of Lifelong Impact and Welfare Foundation and Convener of Empower Her by JennyUK, underscored the need to empower young people, particularly girls, to grow up confident and resilient.

She commended Rite Foods for its commitment to the initiative and belief in the potential of Nigerian youths and children. “This year’s partnership with Rite Foods reinforces our mission to create a more informed, inclusive, and empowered generation of young women”, she said.

Through initiatives like Empower Her, Rite Foods continues to affirm its commitment as a socially responsible and community-focused brand, championing programmes that advance education, well-being, and youth development under its EYEC Corporate Social Responsibility framework.

Access Bank Integrates PAPSS into Mobile App, Deepens Pan-African Payment Connectivity

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Access Bank Integrates PAPSS into Mobile App, Deepens Pan-African Payment Connectivity

Access Bank Plc has taken a major step toward seamless intra-African payments with the recent integration of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, PAPSS into its flagship mobile application, AccessMore.

This strategic move underscores Access Bank’s commitment to enhancing cross-border payment experiences for its customers across the continent.

To mark the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of PAPSS, Mike Ogbalu III, paid a courtesy visit to the Bank’s head office in Lagos, where he held high-level discussions with Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank, and Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director for African Subsidiaries at Access Bank.

The discussions centered on deepening collaboration and optimizing the capabilities of PAPSS within the AccessMore ecosystem to deliver real-time, cost-effective, and secure cross-border transactions.

Speaking on the partnership, Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank said, “The integration of PAPSS into the AccessMore app is a significant milestone in our mission to unify Africa’s payment landscape.

With Access Bank’s extensive footprint across the continent, this collaboration ensures that millions of our customers can now experience fast, efficient, and transparent cross-border payments like never before.

Our goal is to leverage what we are building together to unlock innovations that seamlessly connect the continent, and we are delighted to partner with PAPSS in making this vision a reality”

Mike Ogbalu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), commenting on the collaboration said, “Our partnership with Access Bank is a game-changer for cross-border trade and payments across Africa.

With the integration of PAPSS on AccessMore, we are enabling customers, individuals, SMEs, and corporates alike to transact effortlessly across borders, thereby supporting the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

We’ve created a rail, and Access Bank has the network and customers. Within that, our rail can be used for all sorts of innovations. Access Bank can create products that we can carry on our network for every customer to use”.

Also speaking on the broader strategy, Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, commented, “Access Bank’s vision is to be the world’s most respected African bank, and collaborations like this are essential to achieving that. By embedding PAPSS into AccessMore, we’re unlocking a new era of financial connectivity for our customers across our subsidiaries in over a dozen African markets.

PAPSS is significantly cost effective for cross border transactions, which makes it a highly valuable opportunity. To fully harness its potential, we need greater communication, stronger engagement, and coordinated rollouts across multiple countries at the same time. With the right momentum, we can accelerate adoption and achiever the scale this innovation deserves.”

This partnership between Access Bank and PAPSS is a step forward in realizing a fully interconnected Africa, where payments and trade move without friction. Customers can now enjoy a simplified, reliable, and faster method to send and receive money across African borders—directly from their AccessMore app.

The Access Bank Payments and Remittances Group manages AccessAfrica, the Bank’s proprietary cross-border payments platform, and oversees all remittance activities between Access Bank’s subsidiaries and international money transfer partners. At the core of its operations, AccessAfrica simplifies global transactions with speed, affordability, and reliability.

Currently available in Nigeria and 11 Access Bank subsidiaries across Africa, AccessAfrica enables cross-border payments to over 140 destinations worldwide through multiple channels, including branches, AccessMore, USSD, and Internet Banking.

CREDICORP Bags Credit Access Company of the Year at Business Day BAFI Awards

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CREDICORP Bags Credit Access Company of the Year at Business Day BAFI Awards

The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, CREDICORP has been recognized as the Consumer Credit Access Company of the Year at the 13th Business Day Banks and Other Financial Institutions, BAFI Awards, held in Lagos on Saturday.

The annual BAFI Awards, organized by BusinessDay, Nigeria’s leading private-sector newspaper, celebrates excellence and innovation across banking, fintech, and financial services.

Other winners at the event included Opay (Mobile Payment Solutions Provider of the Year), First Bank of Nigeria (Dominant Force in Inclusive Banking), Fidelity Bank (Export Finance Bank of the Year), and Page Financials (Finance Company of the Year).

Despite being a relatively new institution, established just 18 months ago, CREDICORP stood out among these long-established brands. According to BusinessDay’s selection committee, the Corporation’s recognition was based on its rapid results, innovative products, and ecosystem-first model that enables rather than competes with lenders.

“CREDICORP operates not to crowd out or compete with lenders, but to win by enabling them,” the citation read.

The selection committee noted that CREDICORP was chosen following a rigorous, data-driven evaluation of institutions driving access, affordability, and innovation in Nigeria’s consumer credit space.

In just over a year, the Corporation has made measurable progress in reducing effective interest rates by up to 20%, while helping financial institutions extend credit to previously underserved populations, including artisans, civil servants, small traders, and young people, with 65% of beneficiaries being first-time borrowers.

CREDICORP’s recognition also reflects its diverse suite of credit products designed for Nigerians across various life stages:

  • YouthCred – tailored for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and young workers.
  • Pensioners’ Credit – offering retirees access to liquidity and dignity in retirement.
  • Additional thematic programs addressing credit needs of households, employees, and small business owners.

The Corporation’s credit interventions have focused on essential needs that directly impact citizens’ quality of life. These include:

  • The Credit Access for Light & Mobility (CALM) Fund, supporting access to vehicles and alternative energy for homes and micro-enterprises; and
  • S.C.A.L.E. (Securing Consumer Access to Local Enterprises), which promotes local production, job creation, and industrial deepening through credit expansion.

This “double-bottom-line” approach, BusinessDay noted, simultaneously empowers citizens and stimulates domestic enterprise.

Despite being operational for less than a year financially, CREDICORP has already reached over 180,000 Nigerians, helping them acquire essential goods and services, from vehicles and solar systems to home improvement tools, through affordable consumer credit.

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