The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has renewed its commitment to promoting financial literacy among young Nigerians, saying equipping students with sound financial knowledge remains critical to building a financially responsible society and safeguarding depositors’ funds.
The corporation stated this during the 2026 Financial Literacy Day celebration held at the Government College, Maiduguri, Borno state, with the theme, “Smart Money Talks.” Blueprint reports
The event brought together students, teachers, education stakeholders and NDIC officials to educate young people on prudent financial management, budgeting, savings, investment and the responsible use of banking services.
Financial literacy key to economic stability
Speaking at the event, Assistant Director, Communications and Public Affairs Department of NDIC, Regina Dimlong, said financial literacy is an essential life skill that empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions and contributes significantly to national economic development.
She explained that this year’s theme, “Smart Money Talks,” was carefully selected to encourage young Nigerians to cultivate healthy financial habits from an early age through proper budgeting, regular savings, wise investments and responsible financial planning.
According to her, the corporation remains committed to ensuring that Nigerians, especially students, understand the importance of financial discipline as part of efforts to promote financial inclusion and strengthen confidence in the nation’s banking system.
Dimlong noted that financial education helps individuals avoid poor financial decisions, protect themselves from fraudsters and financial scams, while enabling them to build sustainable wealth over time.
She stressed that early exposure to financial literacy would prepare students to become responsible adults capable of managing personal finances effectively and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The NDIC official also reaffirmed the corporation’s mandate of protecting depositors and maintaining stability in the country’s financial system, noting that public awareness remains one of the key pillars in achieving that objective.
Students urged to cultivate savings habit
Delivering a lecture on the theme, “Smart Money Talks,” financial education resource person, Hadiza Kaigama, described financial literacy as more than the ability to save money, saying it involves developing the knowledge, attitude and discipline required to make sound financial choices.
She urged students to embrace prudent spending habits by distinguishing between their needs and wants, explaining that making wise financial decisions begins with setting priorities.
According to her, financial success is determined not by how much money one earns but by how well available resources are managed.
Kaigama encouraged the students to cultivate the habit of saving consistently, regardless of the amount involved, stressing that regular savings help individuals prepare for emergencies and achieve future financial goals.
She also advised them to embrace legitimate banking services and avoid risky financial practices capable of exposing them to fraud or financial losses.
The resource person further challenged the students to see financial discipline as a lifelong responsibility that would shape their future careers, businesses and personal development.
Schools participate in awareness campaign
Students from Government College Maiduguri, Shehu Garbai Secondary School, Kashim Shettima Government Day Secondary School, Mairi, and Government Girls Day Secondary School, Zajiri, participated in the awareness programme.
The participants actively engaged in lectures, interactive discussions and practical sessions designed to improve their understanding of personal finance, budgeting, savings, investment and financial planning.
The programme also featured sensitisation on financial inclusion, with facilitators encouraging students to embrace formal financial institutions as safe platforms for savings and future investments.
Principal commends NDIC
The Principal of Government College Maiduguri, Abba Ali Ladan, commended the NDIC for bringing the financial literacy campaign to the school.
He described the initiative as timely, noting that many young people lack adequate knowledge about financial management despite living in an increasingly digital financial environment.
Ladan expressed optimism that the lessons learnt during the programme would positively influence the financial behaviour of participating students and prepare them to become financially responsible adults.
He called for sustained collaboration between educational institutions and financial regulators to ensure that financial education becomes part of students’ learning experience across the country.
Students pledge to apply lessons
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Hauwa Zubairu and Illiya D. Remo expressed appreciation to the NDIC for organising the programme.
They said the lectures had broadened their understanding of money management, savings and financial planning, adding that the knowledge acquired would help them make better financial decisions.
The students pledged to put the lessons into practice and also educate their classmates, friends and younger siblings on the importance of prudent financial management.
Interactive sessions, souvenirs
The event featured interactive question-and-answer sessions, practical demonstrations on financial planning, discussions on savings culture and financial inclusion, as well as enlightenment on the role of financial discipline in achieving sustainable economic development.
Students who correctly answered questions during the sessions received souvenirs and educational materials from the NDIC, while dignitaries present were also honoured with commemorative gifts.
The Financial Literacy Day forms part of the NDIC’s nationwide public awareness initiative aimed at deepening financial inclusion, improving financial knowledge among Nigerians and promoting public confidence in the country’s banking system.
The corporation has continued to partner schools and other stakeholders across the country to ensure that young Nigerians acquire the financial skills necessary to make informed decisions, protect their savings and contribute to the nation’s long-term economic prosperity.
