Payment firm welcomes second cohort for incubation programme

Nigeria’s premier payment technology company, Unified Payment Services Limited, has welcomed the second cohort to its talent incubation programme, the Unified Payments Academy.

The academy, designed to address the talent gap in Nigeria’s evolving fintech industry, is set to groom another set of 30 bright and driven individuals who will undergo intensive training and gain industry experience.

A statement from the firm on Monday indicated that the talents were selected from a pool of over 3,000 applicants.

“The new cohort of promising individuals with diverse backgrounds and interests will be exposed to six-week immersive classroom training delivered by industry experts, followed by two years of hands-on experience and real-world opportunities within Unified Payments and its subsidiaries,” the statement partly read.

Welcoming the interns to the organisation, the Director of Corporate Services, Mrs Vivian Okolo, congratulated them on their admission to the academy.

“We are delighted to introduce Unified Payments and its subsidiaries to our new interns. As Nigeria’s first fintech company licensed by the Central Bank, Unified Payments has led the charge in digital and financial technology through entities like Payattitude, TM30, UP Digital, and Payrena. The Unified Payments Academy offers a comprehensive two-year program that will enable you to thrive in this dynamic industry. Embrace the opportunities before you, and contribute to our groundbreaking innovations,” she noted.

Also addressing the interns, the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr Sunday Dosumu encouraged them to maximise the privilege of being in the academy.

“Welcome to the Unified Payments Academy. This programme is a golden opportunity for you to shape your career. Be curious, ask questions, and engage deeply with the learning process. The foundational skills you acquire here will be instrumental in building your professional journey. We look forward to seeing you grow and make a lasting impact in the fintech sector,” he said.

The firm added that the Unified Payments Academy continued to embody its dedication to fostering talent and driving innovation within Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem.

“By equipping interns with the necessary skills and knowledge, the academy is not only nurturing individual talents but also contributing significantly to the overall growth of the economy. In a country with rising unemployment rates, the Academy’s efforts are particularly impactful.

“By creating a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready to enter the workforce, Unified Payments Academy is helping to mitigate unemployment and drive economic growth. The comprehensive training and real-world experience provided by the Academy ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the fintech industry, thereby enhancing their employability and career prospects,” it stated.

According to the firm, the academy’s inclusive and rigorous selection process ensures that only the best and brightest minds are chosen for the academy.

It added that the programme not only provides technical and professional training but also instils a sense of responsibility and innovation, preparing interns to become leaders in their field.

“Unified Payments Academy represents a significant investment in the future of Nigeria’s fintech industry and the broader economy. By fostering a new generation of fintech professionals, Unified Payments is helping to build a more robust and dynamic financial ecosystem, driving technological advancement, and promoting financial inclusion,” the statement concluded.

Unified Payment Services Limited is owned by a consortium of leading Nigerian banks.