UBA Foundation Financial Literacy initiative equips underserved children with money management skills through its partnership with Slum2School Africa

The UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa, has strengthened its commitment to youth empowerment by partnering with Slum2School Africa to deliver a practical financial literacy workshop for underserved children, equipping them with essential money management skills from an early age.

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The initiative introduced participants to the UBA Money Explorers Book, an interactive learning resource developed to simplify financial education through engaging stories, practical money ledgers, games and classroom activities.

Children also received guidance on the UBA Red Vault, a savings product designed to encourage healthy saving habits and financial discipline from childhood.

Speaking during the programme, Managing Director of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, said early financial education plays a vital role in shaping responsible and economically independent adults.

“Every child deserves the tools to dream bigger and plan better, regardless of where they come from,” Atta said.

“When we teach a child to understand money, we are giving them confidence, choice and a clearer sense of what is possible.

Our partnership with Slum2School Africa enables us to reach children who stand to benefit the most, and seeing their enthusiasm as they learn reminds us why this work is so important.”

The workshop was facilitated by members of the Slum2School Africa team, led by Senior Programmes Manager Adekunle Idowu and Education and Innovation Manager Oluyemi Alugo, who guided participants through practical lessons aimed at building financial awareness in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.

Also speaking, UBA’s Segment Executive for Children and Youth Banking, Ozioma Obi, said the programme aligns with the bank’s long-term vision of raising a generation of financially confident young people.

“We are creating products and experiences that make banking simple, relatable and enjoyable for children from their very first lesson,” Obi said.

“The Money Explorers Book and the UBA Red Vault are designed to make saving exciting rather than a task.

When children begin this journey early, they develop habits that will serve them throughout their lives. That is how we nurture informed, empowered and financially responsible future generations.”

Adekunle Idowu described financial literacy as a transformative life skill capable of improving children’s long-term economic prospects regardless of their background.

L–R: Senior Programmes Manager, Slum2School Africa, Adekunle Idowu; Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta; and Segment Executive, Children and Youth Banking, UBA, Ozioma Obi, with pupils at the financial literacy workshop convened by UBA Foundation and Slum2School Africa, where the children received the UBA Money Explorers Book, in Lagos, recently

“Financial literacy is a life skill that every child deserves, regardless of their background.

Through this partnership with UBA Foundation, we are helping children develop the confidence, knowledge and discipline to make informed financial decisions from an early age.

When we empower children with these skills today, we are investing in a more financially responsible and economically resilient future,” Idowu said.

Beyond classroom learning, the initiative reflects UBA Foundation’s broader strategy of promoting financial inclusion by combining practical education with accessible banking products that encourage responsible saving and planning.

The programme also highlights the growing collaboration between financial institutions and non-governmental organisations in expanding educational opportunities for vulnerable children across Nigeria.

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Operating in 20 African countries, UBA Foundation continues to invest in education, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability and community development through targeted social impact initiatives designed to improve lives and create lasting opportunities for young Africans.