Cardoso Advocates for Youth Devt, Collaboration with Economic Associations

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the financial and social sciences sectors during a recent engagement with key stakeholders.

Mr. Cardoso emphasized the urgent need to address the shortage of skilled professionals in finance-related fields within Nigerian universities. His remarks came during a strategic meeting with Professor Adeola Adenikinju, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), who led a delegation from NES and the Nigerian Economics Students Association (NESA) to the CBN Head Office in Abuja.

Highlighting the importance of collective efforts for youth development, Cardoso stressed the need to create opportunities for young people and equip them with the necessary tools to excel in their respective fields, thereby enhancing their global competitiveness.

The Governor described the meeting as a demand-driven conversation that set the groundwork for a robust talent pipeline essential for driving Nigeria’s Financial System Strategy.

During the meeting, NES and NESA representatives presented research topics, recommendations, and ongoing activities that could assist the CBN in fulfilling its mandate. Cardoso underscored the necessity of organizing mentorship collaborations with both associations to help them achieve their objectives.

He also noted the significance of effective communication, pointing out the challenges of simplifying complex economic concepts when discussing monetary policy. Cardoso emphasized the crucial role young economists play in demystifying these subjects and providing clearer insights.

Reiterating the CBN’s readiness to collaborate with NES and NESA while promoting significant female representation, Cardoso expressed hope that this partnership would be a vital step toward establishing a resilient and inclusive financial sector rooted in talent, innovation, and diversity.

In response, Professor Adenikinju identified areas of concern for NES and emphasized the need for collaboration with the CBN. He acknowledged that the association comprises a large number of economists capable of imparting valuable knowledge, but highlighted gaps in mentorship programs. He also pointed out the need for research support, internship opportunities, workshops, and effective use of social media for communication.

Meanwhile, the National President of NESA, Comrade Bakre Israel Boluwatife, expressed gratitude to the CBN Governor for facilitating the engagement and expressed enthusiasm for contributing to research on inflation and money supply.