NGX, market regulators educate students on investor protection

Nigerian Exchange Limited has intensified its efforts to safeguard the future of young investors by hosting a specialised educational session focused on market integrity and fraud prevention.

The initiative, part of the Global Money Week 2026 celebrations, brought together over 200 students from Covenant Child Academy, Testimony College, and Green Pastures High School to bridge the gap between financial ambition and regulatory safety.

The session, held under the flagship X-Tour initiative, provided a rare opportunity for secondary school students to interact directly with the gatekeepers of the Nigerian capital market. Representatives from NGX Regulation and the Exchange’s Trading and Products division led the discussions, focusing on the theme ‘Smart Money Talks’.

“Our goal is to ensure that as young people begin their wealth-building journey, they are equipped with the mental tools to distinguish between legitimate opportunities and fraudulent schemes.

“Building a culture of financial literacy is not just about teaching children how to save; it is about teaching them how to protect what they have earned,” a representative from NGX stated.

With the rise of digital investment platforms, the workshop placed a heavy emphasis on due diligence. Students were guided through the warning signs of “get-rich-quick” scams and the importance of only engaging with licensed operators.

“In a market that is constantly evolving, knowledge is the best shield against exploitation,” noted an official from the Market Regulation team.

“Investors must understand their rights and the safeguards we have put in place to ensure fair practice. Before you commit your capital, you must commit to the research.”

Beyond protection, the programme provided practical insights into the mechanics of the market. Participants were introduced to the diverse range of instruments available on the Exchange, including equities, fixed income securities, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

“Financial independence starts with understanding that the market has a place for everyone, regardless of their starting point,” shared an expert from the Trading and Products division. “By learning how to build resilient portfolios across varying market conditions now, these students are gaining a head start that will serve them for decades.”

The impact of the event extended into the digital sphere through an interactive session with United Capital Plc and popular financial influencer Stanley Onuorah, known as the “Online Banker”. The collaboration aimed to meet young Nigerians where they are on social media to provide credible answers to pressing market questions.

“This is about more than just a week of activities; it is about our broader mandate to drive inclusive growth. When we strengthen the confidence of the youth in our financial ecosystem, we are effectively strengthening the long-term stability of the Nigerian economy,” the NGX concluded.

The programme has already reached thousands of viewers online, signalling a growing appetite among Nigerian youth for structured, safe, and transparent investment pathways.