The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has given insight into some key initiatives it is pursuing in order to expand Nigeria’s investor base by attracting students of higher institutions to participate in the securities and investment business in Nigeria.
In addition, the Institute is urging its members and other stakeholders to deploy their diversified talents and expertise to boost Nigerian local capacity and make their profession globally competitive.
Addressing stockbrokers at the Institute’s 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos over the weekend, the President and Chairman of the Council, Mr. Adedapo Adekoje, explained that the Council had taken some strategic decisions to boost investor education, especially, among the youth and students in tertiary institutions.
Today’s youths, Adekoje said, are the future investors and should be exposed to the culture of savings and investment. Activities such as career talks, debate competition, the use of promotional videos for organising weekend revision classes and the provision of study packs to assist them in preparation for examination are imperative.
“The Institute implemented some key strategic initiatives to attract students of Nigerian higher institutions to the securities and investment profession during the year. Career talks were delivered in several universities, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Augustine University, Covenant University, University of Lagos, Kogi State University, University of Abuja, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Nasarawa State University, Keffi to sensitize students to opportunities in the profession.”
“In addition, a test run of the CIS Inter-Tertiary Institutions Debate Competition was held at Obafemi Awolowo University. It recorded immense acceptance and success. The Institute also organised a one-day students’ forum on February 17, 2018 in Lagos, with the objective of creating a platform for interaction between the Institute, examiners, tuition providers and students, and provide an avenue for exchange of ideas for the advancement of the Institute,” Adekoje said.
Adekoje also explained that a temporary special window had been created for experienced academics, holders of CFA and CIIA qualifications and senior executives of regulatory agencies in the financial sector, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), and the National Pension Commission, among others.
He said the Institute has secured direct membership status of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment, United Kingdom for stockbrokers in order to expand their professional horizon in the global capital market.
