The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers has urged Nigerian students to position themselves for emerging opportunities in the capital market by embracing professional certification and skills development.
In a statement made available to our correspondent on Wednesday, the President and Chairman of the Council of the Institute, Oluropo Dada, made the call during the CIS–Yaba College of Technology career talk held at the institution in Lagos.
Dada said the Nigerian capital market was at a defining moment following recent amendments to the Investments and Securities Act, noting that the formal recognition of digital assets and cryptocurrency as exchange-traded products marked a major reform.
“The recognition of digital assets and cryptocurrency integrates digital finance into Nigeria’s mainstream capital market and aligns the country with global best practices,” he said.
He explained that the amendments have expanded opportunities for capital market professionals, particularly in areas such as digital asset trading, blockchain-enabled investment products, tokenised securities and financial technology innovation.
Dada encouraged students to take advantage of the Certified Securities and Investment Support Specialist programme, which allows undergraduates to begin their professional journey in the securities and investment industry while still in school.
He described the programme as flexible and fully digitised, providing foundational knowledge in capital market operations and emerging areas of finance.
Speaking on the role of the Institute, Dada said the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers is the statutory professional body responsible for the training and certification of securities and investment professionals in Nigeria, adding that its mandate extends beyond examinations to building competence, ethical standards and global relevance.
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academic), Dr Ismail Badmus, commended the Institute for encouraging students to acquire practical knowledge of finance and investment early in their careers. He assured the Institute of continued collaboration in preparing students for the evolving financial landscape.
Other speakers at the event included the Group Executive Director, Asset Management, CardinalStone Partners Limited, Elile Olutimayin, who spoke on investment opportunities in the Nigerian capital market, and the Registrar and Chief Executive of CIS, Ayorinde Adeonipekun, who highlighted career prospects for undergraduates through the CSISS certification.
The highlight of the event was the launch of an investment club aimed at deepening students’ understanding of investment and capital market activities.
