Meristem Securities Limited, one of the leading investment houses in Nigeria, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Development Studies (IFEDS) at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
Meristem Securities Limited and IFEDS are excited to embark on this journey together, building a stronger future for Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, noting that the MORE, the merrier. This strategic partnership marks the launch of the “MORE by Meristem-OAU Business Innovation and Talent Identification Programme,” an initiative aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering business innovation among students.
This collaboration between Meristem and IFEDS, OAU Ile Ife will drive an entrepreneurship pathway tailored for students of OAU. The programme will empower and support the entrepreneurial dreams of young people by providing access to knowledge, skills, abilities, and opportunities to start and grow their businesses.
Concerning the objectives and responsibilities of the parties, Meristem Securities Limited will ensure that participating students have access to the MORE by Meristem platform for learning purposes, offering a comprehensive suite of support services including business advisory, financial insights, and connections to potential funding opportunities. In addition, Meristem Securities Limited will play a crucial role in the coordination and delivery of the programme, reinforcing its commitment to creating a conducive environment for young entrepreneurs to thrive.
On its part, the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Development Studies (IFEDS) at OAU Ile Ife will facilitate the internal coordination of the programme, ensuring that students are well-informed about this unique opportunity, ensuring that both parties collaborate closely to share resources, provide industry experts and mentors, and promote events through their respective channels to maximise participation and impact.
In a joint statement, Meristem Securities Limited and IFEDS representatives highlighted the importance of this partnership in driving sustainable economic growth, fostering innovation, and providing employment opportunities.
“Our primary objective is to create an environment that supports the dreams of young people, helping them realise their entrepreneurial aspirations,” Imaobong Asemah, MORE Product Owner and Wealth Advisor at Meristem Securities Limited, said.
“Through the MORE by Meristem platform, we are not just offering a programme, we are building an ecosystem that aligns the dreams of young people with the realities of opportunities available to build sustainable businesses,” she added.
The partnership will culminate in an exciting pitch session towards the end of the cohort, where students will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative business ideas. Meristem Securities Limited will be actively involved, providing valuable feedback and support to participating entrepreneurs.
With over two decades of excellence, Meristem Securities Limited has consistently delivered value through innovation, client-centric services, and strategic partnerships. Its mission is to “Disrupt, Differentiate, and Dominate” the financial services sector by creating new paradigms and setting industry standards. The MORE by Meristem platform exemplifies our commitment to securing the future of Nigeria’s youth by offering free access to invaluable entrepreneurial and investment education.
Meanwhile, the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Development Studies (IFEDS) at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife is dedicated to equipping students with the competencies needed to excel as entrepreneurs and investors. This collaboration with Meristem Securities Limited underscores IFEDS’ commitment to aligning with global trends and empowering students with practical skills that go beyond the classroom.
