Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has taken a bold step toward bridging the gap between academia and real-world economic solutions by sealing a strategic partnership with CRC Credit Bureau Limited.
The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is set to power cutting-edge research and policy development using anonymised credit data—an initiative experts say could reshape access to finance in Nigeria.
The agreement will grant KWASU researchers access to critical credit data, enabling them to explore financial trends, develop innovative policies, and contribute to national economic growth.
Announced during a collaborative lecture at the university, the initiative brought together scholars, students, and industry professionals to examine how finance, entrepreneurship, and data intersect in today’s economy.
Speaking at the event, CRC Credit Bureau’s CEO, Dr. Ahmed Popoola, emphasised that access to credit remains a major barrier for many Nigerians—despite its potential to transform lives and businesses. He noted that credit is not just about borrowing, but a tool that can unlock opportunities and accelerate economic mobility.
Nigeria’s credit penetration stands at just about 13%, far below the global average of 91%, highlighting a significant gap in financial inclusion.
Popoola stressed that many entrepreneurs are excluded from formal financing due to a lack of credit history, making their businesses “invisible” to lenders. The partnership aims to address this by promoting data integration, stronger financial infrastructure, and better policy frameworks.
KWASU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, described the initiative as a major step toward aligning academic knowledge with industry needs.
He revealed that the collaboration will also provide students with internship opportunities and practical exposure in areas like finance, data science, and credit management—preparing them for a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
The university also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that research goes beyond theory and delivers real impact within communities.
With growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making, the KWASU–CRC partnership signals a shift toward evidence-based policymaking in Nigeria’s financial sector. By combining academic research with industry expertise, the initiative could play a key role in expanding access to credit and fostering sustainable economic development.
follow us on whatsapp
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAOIUe9mrGeBhrju12b
Download our Mobile App for easy access
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en
Mobile App Lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvng.lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en
Follow us on Youtube
https://youtube.com/@edutvnigeria
Follow us on LinkedIn -
https://ng.linkedin.com/company/edutvnigeria
Follow us on Instagram
https://instagram.com/edutvnigeria
Follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/edutvnigeria/
