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First Bank Lauds OAU’s ‘Vigitab’ e-Learning Model

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Bisi Onasanya, managing director/chief executive officer, FirstBank
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First Bank said it believes teaching and learning conducted through electronic media, such as laptops, tablet devices and mobile phones, typically via the internet is gradually gaining inroads into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions with improved technology, a development which worth huge investment and necessary to boost the country’s system of education.

For instance, the Centre for Distance Learning, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) recently partnered with EduTech Software Solution, an indigenous education software technology company, and Huwaei also ICT solution provider- on solutions that will increase its student base drastically and give 50,000 people annually the opportunity to receive certified undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the university.

This pact gave birth to “Vigitab” a customized tablet device with eLearning management solution that allows students to receive lectures, upload and download assignments, relate with peers and lecturers, participate in group discussions and have access to endless books online anywhere they are in the country using the device.

According to the some financial and education stakeholders at the official presentation of device in Lagos, the millions of dollars that might be invested into the project is worth it acknowledging that leveraging on ICT latest innovations with broadband internet will drive development and growth in education in Nigeria.

Bisi Onasanya, chief executive officer, First Bank Nigeria, though represented, believes that “e-commerce evolution in Nigeria is a reality and it is equally noteworthy to know that the educational system in the country is also leveraging on technology solution to combat challenging to get access to university education. So I think invest on the project is worth it and the solution will be impacting.”

Speaking earlier, Prof. Bamitale Omole, vice chancellor of OAU, said that “The Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) has approved its eLearning study program for some selected degree courses which contents can be streamed live over broadband internet or recorded for later online or offline access using the Vigitab introduced into the distance learning program”.

According to the Vice Chancellor, each student will be required to acquire the customized tablet from which their course materials are handed over to them. Their lectures will be received both in online and offline mode.

Prof Essor Omole who was optimistic that by 2015 more degrees and some M.Sc study programes will also be approved for eLearning scheme, a digital recording studio was built so that lecturers could conveniently record their lecture which was uploaded on the devices.

He explained that “The tablet was designed such that it can automatically connect to the school’s Centre for Distance Learning e-learning portal to download lectures and update student status based on level of classes attended, forums and assignments.”

 “The mission of OAU online and the ‘Vigitab’ solution is to develop and provide through emerging network technologies, responsive and quality distance leaning opportunities that meet diverse local, national and global needs,” he said.

Prof Omole further noted that “The eLearning program is guided by the NUC’s policies within the frame work of the university general regulations governing admission for higher education, saying that” he explained.

According to Professor Olabode Asubiojo, OAU director, Centre for Distance Learning (OAUCDL) students on this platform will be taught by the same lecturers teaching the on-campus students and that all admission processes are online.

Olabode who spell out that “B.Sc degree programs for Accounting, Economics Education, Social Studies Education and Nursing was approved” said practical sessions and examinations will be taking on campus.

He reiterated that “The same core lecturers and Professors teaching in the traditional environment have provided their courses content and lectures in form of videos for the eLearning environment.

On her part, Professor Abiola Awosika, general manager, Edutech Business Solution, explained that the device was built to suit Nigerian environment saying that will help to overcome the twin problems of internet access and power supply.

She said “The tablet battery has a nine-hour capacity thus minimizing the problem of power outages. Connectivity will not be an issue for the student as the Tablet comes with its own network for which the subscription is renewed with every session’s registration.

“The classes are designed in such a way that the bandwidth needed is not too large and does not take too much time for it to be downloaded unto computers and other devices. Lectures (notes and video) and assignments downloaded can be viewed offline at student’s own time, and assignments submitted as requested by instructors”.


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

E-Financial

First Asset Management Launches National Initiative to Raise 100m Investment-Smart Nigerians

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First Asset Management, one of Nigeria’s leading investment managers and a subsidiary of FirstHoldCo Plc, launches the 100 million Smart Inventors campaign.

Nigeria’s investment market has huge potential, yet it remains underutilised due to widespread distrust, misinformation, and past losses suffered through fraudulent schemes. Trillions of Naira have been lost, leaving many Nigerians fearful and excluded from real, rewarding investments and leaving them on the economic sidelines.

Reports show that less than 5% of adult Nigerians currently participate in the formal capital market, and as low as 0.25% invest in Mutual Funds, a stark contrast to participation rates often exceeding 50% in developed economies like the United States. This highlights the urgent need to restore trust and improve access to credible investment education.

In response to this critical challenge, First Asset Management has announced the launch of a landmark national movement, the “100 million Smart Investors Initiative”. The campaign is positioned as a direct strategy to rebuild investor confidence and democratise financial knowledge across the nation.

According to the firm, the initiative was conceived from the need to address the anxieties that have historically prevented countless Nigerians from participating in real wealth-building investments. Drawing on its track record of trust and market expertise, First Asset aims to cultivate a new generation of informed, confident investors.

At the heart of the initiative is a comprehensive investor education programme. The goal is to transform casual interest in investing into active participation within a supportive, well-informed community.

Beyond expanding investor numbers, the movement seeks to improve the quality of investment decisions by equipping individuals with the tools to evaluate opportunities and avoid fraudulent platforms.

For everyday Nigerians, the initiative promises simplified, practical financial education that demystifies investing. By building a strong peer network through a nationwide community platform, it seeks to reduce the isolation often faced by new investors and promote collective financial empowerment.

Ultimately, the 100 Million Smart Investors movement represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s human capital. By providing actionable steps, success stories, and sustained education, First Asset Management aims to usher in a new era of financial literacy and participation.

This initiative would not only enhance the financial well-being of individuals and families but also contribute to the broader economic prosperity of the nation by channelling dormant capital into productive sectors of the economy.

To kickstart this bold quest, the brand has planned a series of free educational bootcamps, podcasts and community engagement with industry experts and leaders. The inaugural event will take place live on 26 July 2025.

Follow @FirstAssetManagement on all social media handles to stay informed and visit https://first-assetmanagement.com/smart-investors for details on how to join the movement.


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PalmPay Named Among CNBC and Statista’s World Top 300 Fintech Companies 2025

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PalmPay, a leading neobank and fintech platform focused on emerging markets, has been recognised in CNBC and Statista’s 2025 Top 300 Fintech Companies in the World list. This marks the second year in a row that PalmPay has earned a place among the world’s most innovative and impactful financial technology firms.

The selection is based on a rigorous evaluation of thousands of companies globally, assessing growth, innovation, market penetration, and impact.  This year’s list includes a mix of global leaders – including Revolut, Nubank and Ant Group –  alongside rising stars from high-growth markets, underscoring the growing influence of emerging-market fintechs like PalmPay.

PalmPay’s inclusion reflects its continued momentum as one of Africa’s leading fintech platforms. With over 35 million registered users and up to 15 million transactions processed daily, the company offers a comprehensive suite of digital financial services tailored to the needs of underserved communities.

In its main market, Nigeria, PalmPay operates as a full-service neobank, offering consumer financial services such as transfers, bill payments, credit, savings, and insurance – all accessible through its user-friendly app and supported by a nationwide network of over 1 million agents and merchant partners. The company also provides POS and API-driven B2B solutions tailored to the needs of merchants and enterprise clients.

“To be recognised as one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC and Statista is a powerful affirmation of our mission to build a more inclusive financial system,” said Sofia Zab, Founding Chief Marketing Officer at PalmPay.

“Through cutting-edge technology, deep local distribution, and a customer-first mindset, we’ve built Nigeria’s leading neobank. As we scale PalmPay to more emerging markets, including Tanzania and Bangladesh, our focus remains on closing financial access gaps for everyday consumers and businesses, while expanding the partner ecosystem that fuels our reach and impact.”

As part of its broader expansion strategy, PalmPay recently launched in Tanzania and Bangladesh through a smartphone device financing model that serves as an entry point to digital financial services.

“PalmPay is building a neobanking platform tailored to the realities of emerging markets,” said Jiapei Yan, Group Chief Commercial Officer at PalmPay. “We are creating the infrastructure for a connected digital economy – where people and businesses can thrive through reliable, inclusive financial tools.

This recognition from CNBC and Statista affirms our progress and also the scale of the opportunity ahead. As we expand across more emerging markets, we are committed to creating lasting value for our users, partners, and the communities we serve.”

PalmPay’s inclusion follows another major recognition earlier this year: the company ranked #2 overall and #1 in the financial services sector on the Financial Times  – Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2025 list. The ranking, based on revenue growth between 2020 and 2023, highlighted PalmPay’s rapid scale and market traction across Africa.

PalmPay currently operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh, and is expanding its presence across Africa and Asia through device financing, digital banking, and B2B payment services. Backed by a robust neobanking platform and a partnership-led approach, the company is committed to shaping the next chapter of inclusive financial growth.


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Fidelity Bank Champions Education in Nasarawa with CSR Project

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L-R: The Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Vice Principal, Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Maraba, Mr. Abdullahi Idris; Project Co-ordinator, Elite Bankers 2025 Inductee Class, Fidelity Bank Plc, Onyinyechi Ihesiaba; Vice Principal -Academics, Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Maraba, Mr. Ela Isa; during the commissioning of a renovated block of classrooms and the distribution of Back-to-School Materials at Government Secondary School Aso Pada, Maraba, Nassarawa State recently.
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Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to quality education and youth empowerment with the renovation of a classroom block and donation of textbooks to Aso Pada Government Secondary School in Karu LGA, Nasarawa State.

L-R: The Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Vice Principal, Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Maraba, Mr. Abdullahi Idris; Project Co-ordinator, Elite Bankers 2025 Inductee Class, Fidelity Bank Plc, Onyinyechi Ihesiaba; Vice Principal -Academics, Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Maraba, Mr. Ela Isa; during the commissioning of a renovated block of classrooms and the distribution of Back-to-School Materials at Government Secondary School Aso Pada, Maraba, Nassarawa State recently.

The project was executed through the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP), a corporate social responsibility initiative that enables staff to identify community needs, raise funds, and receive matched support from the bank.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, said the school was chosen due to its impact on the local community and its lack of renovation in over 15 years.

Vice Principal Abdullahi Idris praised the bank’s gesture, calling it “an investment in the future of our nation,” and expressed hope for a lasting partnership.

The initiative follows Fidelity Bank’s recent donation of 1,000 solar-powered schoolbags to pupils across Ogun State, aimed at improving study conditions in areas with limited electricity.

Fidelity Bank serves over 9.1 million customers and has received multiple awards for innovation and SME support, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation Award and Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by Euromoney.


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