Fidelity Bank, YEIDEP Empower 60,000 UNIZIK Students

Thousands of Nigerian students are set to benefit from a major youth empowerment initiative as Fidelity Bank partners the Federal Government-backed YEIDEP programme to unlock entrepreneurship opportunities, financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods.

In a significant boost to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc has strengthened its commitment to financial inclusion by partnering with the Youth Economic Intervention and De-radicalization Programme (YEIDEP), a Federal Government-backed initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment. The collaboration is expected to benefit more than 60,000 students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, providing them with access to entrepreneurship opportunities, financial literacy, mentorship and economic empowerment.

Fidelity Bank Plc has partnered the Youth Economic Intervention and De-radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) to support youth empowerment, financial inclusion and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. The next phase of the initiative will be held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, where more than 60,000 students are expected to participate in the enrolment exercise.

Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, financial inclusion and entrepreneurship through a strategic partnership with the Youth Economic Intervention and De-radicalization Programme (YEIDEP), a Federal Government-backed initiative designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills, support and opportunities needed to build sustainable livelihoods.

Through the partnership, Fidelity Bank is supporting the enrolment of students and young people into the YEIDEP programme, which seeks to reduce youth unemployment, promote entrepreneurship and expand economic participation among Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population.

The next phase of the initiative will take place at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, where the institution has confirmed its readiness to host the enrolment exercise for students and youths across the South-East.

According to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the exercise is scheduled to hold from July 1 to July 3, 2026, at the University’s Convocation Arena. More than 60,000 regular undergraduate students are expected to participate.

Speaking on the partnership, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc, said empowering young Nigerians remains central to the bank’s vision of building a more inclusive and prosperous society.

“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people, particularly its youths. Equipping young Nigerians with the right skills, opportunities and financial support is essential to unlocking their potential and accelerating national development.

“Through our digital banking platforms, financial literacy initiatives, youth-focused products and strategic partnerships, we continue to provide young people with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.

“We recognise that access to funding, mentorship and business development support remains a major challenge for many aspiring entrepreneurs, and we are committed to creating pathways that help them overcome these barriers,” Ede said.

The bank added that its support for YEIDEP aligns with its longstanding commitment to empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which remain key drivers of economic growth, innovation and job creation in Nigeria.

Interested youths and students have been encouraged to open a Fidelity Bank account and complete their registration through the bank’s dedicated YEIDEP enrolment portal.