SEC Updates Capital Market Curriculum Adds: Cybersecurity, AI, and Cryptocurrency
By Patience Ikpeme
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that it is modernizing the capital market curriculum in Nigerian universities.
This update is designed to integrate emerging fields such as Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and advanced cryptocurrency studies, aligning educational offerings with current market trends.
During the inauguration of a dedicated committee tasked with reviewing the existing curriculum on Securities and Investment Management, SEC’s Director General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, stressed the need for educational reform to better prepare future professionals for the evolving financial landscape.
“The integration of new developments in fintech, cybersecurity, and AI into our curriculum is vital,” Dr. Agama stated. “We want to empower Nigerians, particularly the youth, with comprehensive knowledge of the capital market.”
Professor Uche Uwaleke, a prominent expert in Capital Market Studies from Nasarawa State University, leads the committee. He acknowledged the importance of this initiative, stating that the current lack of understanding surrounding capital market issues must be addressed through education. “Capital market literacy within the academic environment is low, and improving that is a crucial step forward,” Uwaleke noted.
The committee will focus on various objectives as part of its Terms of Reference. These include: Reviewing the National Universities Commission (NUC) curriculum to incorporate Non-Interest Capital Market (NICM), the Commodities Ecosystem, Financial Derivatives Market, and Sustainable Finance; Expanding the curriculum’s “Introduction to Cryptocurrency” section to reflect recent developments and Developing a standardized Capital Market Studies curriculum to be adopted by universities and tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The committee comprises notable members from various educational and financial institutions, including Prof. Augustine Agom from Ahmadu Bello University and Prof. Seth Akutson of Kaduna State University among others, along with representatives from SEC.
In expressing gratitude for the committee’s formation, Uwaleke emphasized the role of education in enhancing the depth of Nigeria’s retail investor base. “We recognize that tackling low capital market literacy in academic circles is essential for increasing participation in the capital market,” he affirmed.
Dr. Agama celebrated the initiative as a commitment to fostering knowledge and expertise in the nation’s capital market. He stressed that robust discussions and strategic developments from this committee will pave the way for a more informed and engaged population regarding financial investments.
With these significant efforts by the SEC, there is hope that the next generation of professionals will be better equipped to navigate and contribute positively to Nigeria’s evolving financial ecosystem.
