In observance of Global Money Week 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) took its financial literacy drive to secondary schools nationwide, advocating for the theme “Protect your money, Secure your future.” Across the six geopolitical regions, the apex bank orchestrated the campaign to instil crucial money management skills in students.
At the Government Secondary School, Gwagwa in Abuja, the CBN’s acting director of the consumer protection department, Othniel Nuhu elucidated the necessity of such awareness among students. He emphasized the importance of cultivating a positive attitude towards money, encompassing earning, saving, and early investments.
Nuhu addressed the students, underscoring the significance of financial literacy, stating, “We at CBN are keen on educating you about money, even though we acknowledge that you are not yet in the workforce. This initiative is aimed at catching you young.” He stressed the distinction between academic education and financial literacy, highlighting the need for students to develop a culture of saving from an early age.
Furthermore, the CBN, during its 12th literacy fair, reiterated the imperative to enhance financial literacy, linking it to wealth creation, income improvement, and the overall enhancement of living standards.
The head of the consumer education and evaluation division in the CBN’s consumer protection department, Gbadamosi Lanre had voiced concerns over Nigeria’s low financial literacy rate, attributing it to insufficient awareness, meager income levels, and rising poverty rates.
Lanre disclosed the CBN’s plan to establish a monitoring and evaluation framework for financial literacy to impartially assess the effectiveness of its efforts.
Meanwhile, the principal of GSS Gwagwa, Abdullahi Musa Zakari expressed gratitude to the CBN for selecting the school for its awareness campaign.
Zakari urged the students to take the financial literacy programme seriously, recognizing its potential to shape their future. He emphasized the importance of attentiveness during the training session, as it could equip students with invaluable skills crucial for their personal and professional lives.
