Nigeria: SEC Updates Capital Market Studies Curriculum for Nigerian Universities

Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has initiated a comprehensive update of the capital market studies curriculum in Nigerian universities, establishing a committee to revise the existing syllabus approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The revision aims to incorporate contemporary themes such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced cryptocurrency topics to reflect current market dynamics.

During the committee’s inauguration, SEC Director General Dr. Emomotimi Agama emphasized that this curriculum update is essential for preparing future professionals with skills aligned with global financial and technological advancements. “With developments in fintech, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other fields, there is an urgent need to expand the curriculum to accommodate these new trends. This will allow us to equip young Nigerians with the knowledge required in today’s capital markets,” he said.

The committee, led by Professor Uche Uwaleke of Nasarawa State University, has been tasked with several objectives, including revising the securities and investment management curriculum to cover areas such as non-interest capital markets, the commodities ecosystem, financial derivatives, sustainable finance, and updated cryptocurrency concepts. It also aims to develop a standardized capital market studies curriculum to be adopted by Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Committee members include prominent academics and industry experts: Prof. Augustine Agom (Ahmadu Bello University), Prof. Seth Akutson (Kaduna State University), Prof. Chuke Nwude (University of Nigeria, Nsukka), Dr. Akeem Oyewole (Marble Capital Ltd.), Prof. Oladele John Akinyomi (Mountain Top University), Mrs. Ojone Kabir (SEC Market Development Department), Dr. Hassan Suleiman (SEC Economic Research and Intelligence Department), and Mrs. Jessica Ogwuche (SEC Financial Inclusion and Investor Education Department), who serves as the committee’s secretary.

Professor Uwaleke expressed appreciation for the trust placed in the committee, underscoring the importance of improving capital market literacy, especially within Nigeria’s academic community. “Expanding capital market knowledge among retail investors, starting within our tertiary institutions, is key to growing our market,” he said, highlighting ongoing SEC initiatives, including investor clinics, quizzes, and essay competitions aimed at increasing awareness.

The committee members are confident that their collective expertise will enable them to achieve these objectives, ensuring that Nigerian graduates possess relevant knowledge to thrive in the evolving capital market landscape.