Financial literacy vital for navigating today’s economy–Agama

Barbara Bako, Abuja.

The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has underscored the importance of financial literacy as a critical life skill, describing it as essential for survival in today’s fast-changing economic environment.

Dr. Emomotimi Agama, stated this during the official handover of the reviewed National Universities Commission (NUC) curriculum on Securities and Investment Management (SIM) in Abuja on Tuesday.

The curriculum was developed by a committee of experts appointed by the SEC, drawn from both the capital market and academia.

Agama said the engagement signified not just institutional collaboration but a collective resolve to build a foundation for sustainable financial empowerment in Nigeria.

According to him, “Our gathering today goes beyond policy harmonization or curriculum design. It is about shaping the financial mindset of future generations, equipping young Nigerians with the tools to make informed choices and contribute meaningfully to our development.

“Financial literacy determines how individuals earn, save, invest, and build wealth. It also influences how they engage with the financial system, ensuring they are not left behind in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven economy.”

He said the SEC remains deeply committed to embedding financial inclusion as a cornerstone of national development, beginning with education where knowledge and values are first formed.

The SEC DG disclosed that the collaboration with the NUC represents a strategic leap forward—a deliberate effort to integrate financial education into Nigeria’s national curriculum from the primary through to the secondary levels.

“This initiative recognizes that financial discipline and awareness are best nurtured early, when curiosity is highest and habits are still forming. Early intervention is key to producing responsible, confident, and financially empowered citizens.

“I am pleased to note that the pilot implementations in Nasarawa and Ibadan have yielded encouraging results, reflecting strong adaptability, enthusiasm, and measurable impact among teachers and students alike.

“These early successes affirm that when given the right tools and guidance, Nigerian youth can quickly understand and apply concepts such as saving, investing, budgeting, and responsible financial decision-making,” he stated.

Dr. Agama added that beyond imparting knowledge, the initiative aims to empower young people to participate productively in financial and capital markets.

He emphasised that as the apex regulator of the capital market, the SEC’s mandate to protect investors and deepen the market cannot succeed without a financially literate populace.

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He described the initiative as an investment in human capital—“the most critical driver of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth.”

Acknowledging the NUC’s role, he said the partnership strengthens the bridge between education and enterprise, ensuring that classroom learning remains relevant to real-world financial realities.

“This initiative could not have come at a more opportune time. As our nation pursues the goal of building a trillion-dollar economy, anchored on innovation, knowledge, and inclusive growth, financial literacy will be one of the strongest pillars supporting that ambition,” he added.

Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said the review aimed to align Nigeria’s university curriculum with global capital market trends and ensure graduates are equipped with relevant knowledge and skills.

He explained that the Committee also designed a Basic Course in Capital Market Studies for all first-year students in Nigerian universities to promote early exposure and deepen financial inclusion.

Prof. Uwaleke added that the Committee recommended extending the course beyond universities to all tertiary institutions, including polytechnics and colleges of education.

“As we present this Report today, we do so with a sense of fulfilment and optimism. We believe that its implementation will mark a major milestone in building a financially literate generation and in strengthening the foundation for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive Nigerian capital market,” he stated.