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Moniepoint Boosts STEM Education with Unveiling of Tosin Eniolorunda Design Lab @OAU
In a move aimed at advancing STEM education and fostering technological innovation in Nigeria, the Mechanical Engineering Department of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife received a substantial investment as the Tosin Eniolorunda Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) laboratory was unveiled at the University’s campus.
L-R Israel Eniolorunda; Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Adebayo Bamire; Board Member, Tosin Eniolorunda Foundation, Oyinlola Eniolorunda and Head of Partnerships, Moniepoint Inc, Efemena Ogie at the commissioning of the Tosin Eniolorunda CAD/CAM laboratory at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
The gesture which is in alignment with Moniepoint’s corporate social responsibility ethos is designed to significantly contribute to efforts aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s foundation in the very important area of science and technology while making subjects such as prototyping, design and engineering in general easier, participatory and enjoyable for students.
With the recent rise in the global tech industry, stakeholders aver that investment in STEM education will drive the socio-economic development of Africa and Nigeria, particularly.
However, with a burgeoning population where over 60% of Africa’s population are still under 25, a recent survey shows that less than 25% of African students in secondary and tertiary institutions pursue STEM-related career fields.
At a ceremony to commission the facility, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire expressed his profound gratitude over the philanthropic donation by Moniepoint and Tosin Eniolorunda, co-founder of Moniepoint, who’s an alumnus of OAU’s Mechanical Engineering Department.
He noted that many tertiary institutions across the country suffered from paucity of funds which in turn has led to infrastructural challenges, while encouraging other alumni to not only emulate this culture of giving back but also join hands to support worthy causes within the university.
“We are really very grateful for this laboratory considering that we are almost phasing out some of these things as a result of paucity of funds.
“This has to do with the yearnings which will also improve the livelihoods of our people, especially the students.
“So when we have an organization that has come in to meet our needs, we can only say thank you.
“This laboratory will help improve and enhance a lot of things within the University for students and staff and also drive collaboration between the academia and industry,” he said.
Tosin Eniolorunda, commenting on the donation, stated, “this newly revamped lab represents more than just an upgrade, it stands as part of a personal commitment to foster a generation of engineers and innovators who are not only skilled, but also inspired to think critically and creatively about real-world problems.
“A catalyst for innovation for the next generation of engineers and technologists who will drive Nigeria’s economic growth and advancement.
“By investing in STEM education and providing access to platforms like this lab, we’re laying the critical rails for the emergence of leaders, innovators, and changemakers that Nigeria needs.”
Furthermore he thanked the University community for its continued dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and innovation for learning and culture while adding that the future of engineering and technology in Nigeria is bright because of the young talents within the ivory tower.
The upgrade includes renovation of the existing laboratory space with cutting-edge facilities that include the provision of high-performance desktop computers and laptops, electronic board for interactive learning, laboratory furniture, supply and installation of sustainable power solutions and advanced cooling systems.
These state-of-the-art resources will provide students with hands-on experience in the latest CAD/CAM technologies, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of mechanical engineering.
Dean, Faculty of Technology, Prof. Lasisi Umoru noted that the revamped facility will increase research capabilities and output in CAD/CAM technologies, improve graduates’ employability in the global job market, and serve as a model for STEM education facilities across Nigeria.
The commissioning ceremony which attracted dignitaries from within and outside the University included Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. M. Babalola, DVC, Administration – Prof. Adaramola, DVC Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Akinyemi, Chairman, Committee of Deans, Prof Adesina, Chairman, Ceremonials Committee, Prof Adekola, Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Obayopo, Retired Prof of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Adekoya, Chairman Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Osun state chapter, Ademola Adesoji and Special Assistant to the Osun state governor on ICT, Sola Isola, Oyinlola Eniolorunda and Israel Eniolorunda as well as Head of Partnerships, Moniepoint Inc, Efemena Ogie, Employee Branding Lead, Gbemi Adekanmbi amongst others.
The UK Government has announced the appointment of Mr Peter Vowles as the next British High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mr Vowles succeeds Dr Richard Montgomery CMG and is expected to take up his post in Abuja in September 2026. Dr Montgomery remains in post until that time.
Mr Vowles brings extensive diplomatic and development experience to the role, having served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe from 2023 to 2026 and previously as Ambassador to Myanmar from 2021 to 2022.
He has held senior leadership positions across the FCDO and its predecessor department DFID, including as Transformation Director and Director for Asia, Caribbean and Overseas Territories.
Earlier in his career, Mr Vowles worked in international development across South Asia, Central Africa and East Africa, including postings in Bangladesh, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya. He began his career in Zimbabwe, where he worked in education and development.
Peter Vowles said: “I am honoured to be appointed as British High Commissioner to Nigeria. Nigeria is a country of immense importance to the United Kingdom, and I look forward to working closely with Nigerian partners to strengthen our relationship across trade, development and security.”
World Bank has ranked the Apapa and Tin Can Island Port complexes in Lagos among the world’s 20 most improved ports in its 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), released in June 2026.
The ranking places both ports in the “Top 20 Port Improvement Since 2020” category, reflecting significant gains in operational efficiency and vessel turnaround time.
The CPPI is a global benchmark used to assess the efficiency of container ports based on factors such as cargo handling speed, ship turnaround time and overall logistics performance.
According to the report, the improvement highlights ongoing reforms and modernization efforts within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, attributed the recognition to ongoing policy reforms and infrastructure upgrades in the sector.
He said the development reflects the impact of economic policies of President Bola Tinubu and the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola.
“With the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu providing the impetus for increased investment to drive our port infrastructure and equipment modernisation programme, coupled with the unflinching support of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, we have all it takes to further enhance trade facilitation, improve competitiveness and boost the national economy,” he said.
The NPA said the recognition is expected to strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector and enhance the country’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
It noted that improvements in port operations are already contributing to increased efficiency in cargo movement and reduced delays at key terminals.
The authority also pointed to ongoing efforts to modernise port infrastructure and expand digital systems aimed at improving service delivery.
Earlier in February 2026, the NPA said the federal government had intensified efforts to position Nigeria as a leading maritime destination through port rehabilitation and modernization projects.
It also highlighted public-private partnership initiatives, including developments at the Lekki Deep Sea Port, as part of broader reforms aimed at improving efficiency and attracting investment.
The CPPI ranking is expected to further boost Nigeria’s maritime profile and encourage additional investment in the sector.
As digital payment adoption continues to grow across Nigeria and emerging markets, the next phase will depend not just on innovation, but on the strength, reliability, and trustworthiness of the infrastructure behind it.
While the ecosystem has made clear progress in recent years, trust remains a critical issue for users, businesses, and operators alike. Questions around resilience, security, interoperability and transaction reliability continue to shape how the market evolves and how confidently digital payments can scale.
These issues will be central to the deliberations at Digital Pay Expo 2026, where fintech leaders, payment operators, and other ecosystem stakeholders will gather under the theme, “Seamless Digital: Fostering Pan-African Market Expansion in the Era of AI.”
PalmPay’s participation reflects its continued commitment to building trusted and scalable payment infrastructure, while contributing to the broader industry efforts to strengthen systems, standards, and partnerships needed to support long-term ecosystem growth.
Speaking ahead of the event, Olorunfemi Hanson, Head of Marketing and Communications at PalmPay Nigeria, said: “As the financial services ecosystem continues to grow, trust and reliability become even more important.
“The industry’s next phase will be shaped not only by innovation, but by the strength of the infrastructure supporting it. Digital Pay Expo provides an important platform to address the resilience, interoperability, and trust issues that will shape the future of digital payments growth across Africa.”
The event, scheduled to be held from the 17th to the 18th of June, 2026, will feature Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, alongside other distinguished guests, including the Director-General, Payment System Management Department (PSMD), Central Bank of Nigeria. The event will examine how the industry can balance innovation, regulation, and scalability while strengthening trust across the digital payments value chain.
For PalmPay, this event reinforces its role in supporting a more resilient, secure and scalable payments ecosystem for Nigeria and emerging markets more broadly.
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