Tech innovators see empowerment in Wema Bank’s Hackaholics

Young Nigerian innovators and entrepreneurs are being empowered across four cities, including the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA); Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; University of Ibadan (UI) and Purple Academy, Lagos, via the Wema Bank’s Hackaholics 6.0.

The programme targets bright minds that can create transformative solutions to real-world problems through industry-led masterclasses, ideation, and mentorship.

For four days in each location, participants were immersed in the full Hackaholics experience, from ideation to mentorship to pitch readiness, culminating in high-energy final pitches where the best ideas emerged.

In every location, three Ideathon winning teams; including one women-led group and two Hackathon teams walked away with invitations to compete at the Hackaholics 6.0 Grand Finale.

These teams now stand a chance to scale their solutions with the backing of Wema Bank’s innovation ecosystem.

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Speaking on this, Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO of Wema Bank, said, Hackaholics has always been about more than technology but about empowering young people to think differently, create boldly, and contribute solutions that can move the industry and nation forward.

“The level of talent and creativity we have witnessed so far further reinforces why we continue to invest in this programme. The innovative ideas and solutions coming out of the participants have the power to shape the future of financial services and beyond, and we are excited to see them come to life.”

Three winning teams from each location, including one women-led group and two Hackathon teams, have received invitations to compete at the Hackaholics 6.0 Grand Finale, where they can scale their solutions with Wema Bank’s backing.

With over 12,000 applicants from 15 schools and $300,000 disbursed in funding, Hackaholics has established itself as a cornerstone of youth engagement and innovation in Nigeria