Wema Bank’s Hackaholics 6.0 Hits Four Cities in Drive for Youth Innovation
Wema Bank has reinforced its dedication to youth innovation and entrepreneurship through its flagship event, Hackaholics 6.0. The innovative campus ideathon recently traveled to four major Nigerian cities, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA); Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; University of Ibadan (UI); and Purple Academy, Lagos bringing together bright young minds from across Sub-Saharan Africa to develop solutions for real-world challenges.
Over 3,000 entries have been received this year, with hundreds of students and young entrepreneurs participating in industry-led masterclasses aimed at fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. During each four-day event, participants engaged in a comprehensive experience from brainstorming and mentorship to preparing for pitch presentations—culminating in energetic final pitches where top ideas emerged. At each location, three winning teams—including one women-led group and two Hackathon teams earned invitations to compete in the Hackaholics 6.0 Grand Finale, with opportunities to scale their solutions with Wema Bank’s support.
Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, expressed pride in the initiative, stating, “Hackaholics is more than just technology; it’s about empowering young people to think differently, innovate boldly, and contribute solutions that can propel our industry and nation forward. The incredible talent and creativity we’ve seen reaffirm our commitment to investing in this program. We believe the ideas generated here have the potential to transform financial services and beyond.”
Since its inception in 2019, Hackaholics has become a pivotal platform for youth engagement and innovation in Nigeria. With over 12,000 applicants from 15 institutions and more than $300,000 in funding disbursed including ₦75 million awarded to women-led teams between 2023 and 2024 the program continues to foster a vibrant ecosystem for students, innovators, and early-stage startups to collaborate, learn, and grow, all while building lasting relationships with Wema Bank.
As Hackaholics 6.0 continues its journey to more Nigerian cities ahead of the Grand Finale, Wema Bank remains steadfast in its mission to empower the next generation of Nigerian innovators. Interested students and entrepreneurs can visit https://hackaholics.wemabank.com/for more information and participation details.