Hon. Tolani Sule, Commissioner for Education in Lagos State has highlights the crucial role of tech-education collaborations at Payaza Fintech Hackathon 2.0
In a bid to bridge the gap between technology and tertiary education, Hon. Tolani Sule, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education in Lagos State, stressed the importance of fostering collaborations between tech companies and academic institutions. Speaking at the Payaza Fintech Hackathon 2.0 in Lagos, he emphasized the need for students to gain exposure to the latest trends, tools, and methodologies in the tech industry.
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Connecting Education with Technology
Commissioner Sule noted the universal curriculum in education and highlighted the essential role of technology in establishing connections. As the tech industry operates on the cutting edge, students need exposure to the latest trends, tools, and methodologies to stay relevant. He emphasized that collaborations between tech companies and tertiary institutions are crucial for ensuring that students are not only well-versed in theory but also equipped with practical skills applicable to the workforce.
“By partnering with academic institutions, companies can tap into the vast pool of research talent that exists within these institutions, accelerating the pace of technological advancement,” said Commissioner Sule.
Payaza Fintech Hackathon 2.0: Empowering Africa with Generative AI
The Payaza Fintech Hackathon 2.0, themed “Empowering Africa: Leveraging Generative AI for a Tailored Financial Journey,” aimed to bridge the gap between young talents and an ecosystem that can incubate, grow, and establish them. The event sought to provide opportunities for young, nascent talents to demonstrate their potential and hunger for growth in the tech industry.
Margaret Cole, Product Marketing Manager at Payaza, highlighted the industry’s focus on established, experienced talent and the limited opportunities for young talents. She stressed the importance of seeking solutions embedded with artificial intelligence (AI) as AI becomes a new way of life across sectors and industries.
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Recognizing Innovation at the Hackathon
The winning team, Iya Finance, was awarded $5,000, while the first runner-up, Naya, received $3,000, and the third finalist, Enigma, took home $1,500. All participating teams received a $100 participation award along with other cash gifts.
The Payaza Fintech Hackathon 2.0 serves as a platform not only for innovation and competition but also for fostering collaborations and creating opportunities for young talents to contribute meaningfully to the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
About Payaza
Payaza is in the business of providing payment solutions using up-to-date technologies and infrastructure to meet customer needs. The company is committed to seeking AI-embedded solutions to achieve its goal of providing advanced payment solutions.