FMDQ Group Empowers Future Leaders With FMDQ-Next Initiative

In today’s rapidly evolving world, financial literacy is essential for the younger generation. FMDQ Group PLC, Africa's first vertically integrated financial market infrastructure group, recognises the critical role that education plays in shaping future leaders and has, over the past six years, implemented its flagship corporate responsibility initiative: the FMDQ Next Generation Financial Markets Empowerment Program (known as FMDQ-Next). 

FMDQ-Next was launched in 2018 with a mission to promote financial markets awareness and literacy among students aged 8 to 22 years, taking in primary to tertiary levels and fresh graduates. The initiative aims to equip young minds with the tools and knowledge needed for a financially literate future. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education – the  program is testament to FMDQ Group’s commitment to improving access to education and enhancing the quality of learning,  particularly financial literacy. 

FMDQ-Next recognises the importance of building strong financial foundations for future generations. Through initiatives such as Teach-a-Class sessions, summer camp programs, excursions and tours, trading simulation exercises and internships, FMDQ-Next educates young people and plays a pivotal role in shaping a future where financial literacy is engrained. FMDQ-Next goes beyond traditional learning environments by offering not only educational information, but interactive, engaging, fun and hands-on exercises that are focused on financial markets. It also offers exposure to the corporate world.  

The program incorporates innovative techniques to engage and motivate participants. These include financial products trading simulation exercises, exposure to live financial markets data, contact with industry professionals and more. At the heart of the  program is the FMDQ Q-Hub, a state-of-the-art trading simulation centre that provides participants with real-time, hands-on experience of trading financial instruments. In this controlled environment, participants transform their theoretical learnings to practical application, building confidence and deepening their understanding of the mechanics of trading. The Q-Hub, which has a live ticker tape and musical instruments is a central element of the FMDQ-Next experience. 

FMDQ-Next has impacted more than 1,200  participants through: 

• five summer camps
• eight excursions
• eight virtual financial literacy sessions
• 17 trading challenges and 
• 15 internships.  

The success stories of past FMDQ-Next participants speak volumes about the program’s transformative impact. Participants leave with a solid understanding of financial markets, confidence and clarity about their future careers. Whether participants choose to pursue a career in finance or go into another field, the financial knowledge gained through FMDQ-Next empowers them to make informed decisions.  

The program has also offered internship opportunities.. Through these internships, participants have deepened their understanding of financial markets, enhanced key skills and interacted with industry professionals. This practical exposure strengthens their career readiness and positions them as future leaders equipped with the expertise and confidence to excel.  

Bola Onadele. Koko, Chief Executive Officer of FMDQ Group PLC, says: “It is truly heartening to witness the enthusiasm and eagerness with which these young minds engage with the financial markets. FMDQ-Next is playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of professionals by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge. I am incredibly proud of the initiative’s impact and commend the team for their dedication and commitment to empowering these future leaders. I eagerly look forward to seeing how the participants apply what they have learned in the years to come.” 

As FMDQ-Next continues to evolve, the program is committed to empowering the next generation. With the rapid transformation of financial markets FMDQ-Next adapts its curriculum regularly to reflect these changes, ensuring that students are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge. 

FMDQ-Next is more than an Educational program; it is a movement towards a future where financial literacy is the norm and every young person has the opportunity to shape their own financial destiny. FMDQ Group is helping to build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria. With FMDQ-Next, the next generation of financial leaders is being equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to drive innovation and success in Nigeria’s financial markets and beyond. 

For more information about FMDQ-Next, please visit our website: www.fmdqnext.com  

About FMDQ Group 

FMDQ Group is Africa’s first vertically integrated FMI group, strategically positioned to provide registration, listing, quotation and noting services; integrated trading platform, clearing & central counterparty, and settlement services for financial markets transactions; depository of securities, as well as data and information services, across the debt capital, foreign exchange, derivatives and equity markets, through its wholly owned subsidiaries – FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited, FMDQ Clear Limited, FMDQ Depository Limited and FMDQ Private Markets Limited. As a sustainability-focused FMI group, FMDQ Group, through FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited, operates Africa’s premier Green Exchange – FMDQ Green Exchange – positioned to lead the transition towards a sustainable future.