Wema Bank has successfully engaged more than 3,000 young innovators and entrepreneurs in the sixth edition of its Hackaholics programme. The initiative took place across four cities in Nigeria, including the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA); Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; University of Ibadan (UI); and Purple Academy, Lagos, as part of the bank’s commitment to empowering youth innovation and entrepreneurship.
The programme brought together creative minds to develop transformative solutions to real-world challenges through masterclasses, ideation sessions, and mentorship. For four days in each location, participants experienced the full Hackaholics journey, from idea generation to pitch readiness, ending with high-energy final presentations where the best ideas were selected.
In each of the four locations, three winning teams emerged, including one women-led group and two Hackathon teams, who received invitations to compete at the Hackaholics 6.0 Grand Finale. These selected teams now have the opportunity to scale their solutions with support from Wema Bank’s innovation ecosystem.
Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank Plc, Moruf Oseni, said Hackaholics represents more than just technology. “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,” he said.
Oseni further emphasized the creativity seen among participants. “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.”
With over 12,000 applicants from 15 universities and $300,000 disbursed in funding, Wema Bank’s Hackaholics 6.0 has continued to strengthen its position as a major platform for youth development, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation in Nigeria.
