NSIA Young Leaders Programme
NYLP
NYLP is an integral part of the Authority’s strategy for contributing towards nation building by bolstering human capacity development. Under the programme, NSIA offers young, ambitious and performance driven graduates an opportunity to gain direct practical experience in the Authority’s core business areas through a scheme designed to build global talents and raise a new generation of leaders for the organisation and the nation at large.
The programme is designed to build global talents and raise a new generation of leaders for the organisation and by extension the large society. It is a composite 2-year long programme covering classroom sessions and on-the-job training that offers an unparalleled opportunity to fresh graduates seeking to gain firsthand experience and competence in Asset and Portfolio Management, Infrastructure Project Management, Investment Operations, Compliance, Audit and Risk Management.
Through intensive on-the-job training, successful applicants become equipped with a unique combination of knowledge, skills and competencies required to make the seamless transition into the larger corporate environment.
Meet our top NYLP graduates for the class of 2023
Ndukwu Glory U.
Dept: Externally Managed Investment (EMI)
Usman Y. Labaran
Dept: Investment Operations
Zainab Adamu
Dept: Finance
Omolabake N. Oladimeji
Dept: Legal
Julia T. Nnabalu
Dept: Nigeria Infrastructure Fund (NIF)
Usman M. Usman
Dept: Risk Management Unit
Meet our top NYLP graduates for the class of 2021
Kalesanmi Olawole
Dept: Investment Operations
Nkasire Ifu
Dept: Nigeria Infrastructure Fund (NIF)
Muhammad Maikudi
Dept: Legal
Omotolani Abimbola
Dept: Finance
Sylvia Ukaegbu
Dept: Credit Risk
Mercy Imonighavwe
Dept: Externally Managed Investment (EMI)
Ndukwu Glory U.
Dept: Externally Managed Investment (EMI)
Ndukwu Glory U.
- Department:
- Externally Managed Investment (EMI)
- University/Degree:
- University of Port Harcourt, BSc. Accounting
What was most exciting about being a part of the NSIA’s Young Leaders Programme?
The most exciting aspect of the NYLP for me was the chance to connect with a dynamic and diverse group of young professionals who share a common passion for making a positive impact in various fields. The program offered a valuable platform for learning, collaboration, and networking with exceptionally talented individuals in the industry. It also allowed me to establish connections and expand my professional network, which I believe will be beneficial for my career progression.
What is it like currently working for the NSIA?
Working at the NSIA has been a truly rewarding and stimulating experience. The organization cultivates a culture of excellence and innovation, which encourages employees to contribute their best ideas. The commitment to responsible investing and financial stewardship resonates with my own values, making it a meaningful workplace. Furthermore, the NSIA's strong emphasis on continuous learning and professional development ensures that I am always evolving and improving in my role. Overall, it's a place where I feel motivated, inspired, and proud to be part of a team that plays a role in Nigeria's economic growth and development.
Usman Y. Labaran
Dept: Investment Operations
Usman Y. Labaran
- Department:
- Investment Operations
- University/Degree:
- Baze University, MSc. Computer Science & Information Systems Management
What was most exciting about being a part of the NSIA’s Young Leaders Programme?
The NYLP program was quite intense and difficult for me, especially with zero knowledge of finance at the time but I got to meet some amazing and talented individuals who drove the competitive spirit in me to excel. I also made lifelong friends in my splinter group and G6 team members. Special appreciation goes to the Program Director who from day one was very supportive.
What is it like currently working for the NSIA?
Joining the NSIA is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the decision-making mechanism of our dear country with highly intelligent and unique individuals who drive this great nation forward in so many ways. The NSIA is made up of some very talented individuals who have been very supportive from my first day and hopefully, I will learn so much more from everyone here.
Zainab Adamu
Dept: Finance
Zainab Adamu
- Department:
- Finance
- University/Degree:
- Nigerian Defence Academy, M. Environmental Management
What was most exciting about being a part of the NSIA’s Young Leaders Programme?
Participating in the NYLP has been a thrilling adventure, going beyond professional development to offer me the priceless chance to learn from seasoned finance industry professionals. Additionally, it allowed me to connect with remarkable individuals during the training.
What is it like currently working for the NSIA?
It has been an intellectually stimulating experience so far. The colleagues I've been fortunate to interact with have contributed greatly to my experience by being exceptionally supportive and fostering a collaborative and enriching environment.
Omolabake N. Oladimeji
Dept: Legal
Omolabake N. Oladimeji
- Department:
- Legal
- University/Degree:
- Caleb University, BSc. International Relations
What was most exciting about being a part of the NSIA’s Young Leaders Programme?
The most exciting part of the NSIA's Young Leaders Programme has been the opportunity to work with a diverse group of talented individuals from all over Nigeria. Also, the programme has provided me with the opportunity to learn about different aspects of corporate law, investment banking, and project finance. I have been challenged and stretched in ways that I never thought possible, and I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable to me in my future career.
What is it like currently working for the NSIA?
Working at the NSIA has been an interesting experience. I'm surrounded by brilliant and supportive people who are passionate and believe in the work they do. The work is challenging and rewarding, and I'm constantly learning new things.
Julia T. Nnabalu
Dept: Nigeria Infrastructure Fund (NIF)
Julia T. Nnabalu
- Department:
- Nigeria Infrastructure Fund (NIF)
- University/Degree:
- University of Aberdeen, MSc. Advanced Chemical Engineering
What was most exciting about being a part of the NSIA’s Young Leaders Programme?
The most exciting part of being a part of the NYLP was the opportunity it presented to meet and collaborate with people from very diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Prior, to being a part of the NYLP, I had only worked with those in my direct field of study but the NYLP allowed me to see how various disciplines and backgrounds can be harnessed to form a meaningful whole.
What is it like currently working for the NSIA?
Working with the NSIA has been intriguing, especially with the NIF team. I am fascinated by the fact that each day comes with a new challenge to develop new skills and abilities, while I continuously develop my existing skills and competencies. The members of staff have been quite amiable and willing to share knowledge which has led to a shallow learning curve – making on-the-job learning easy.
Usman M. Usman
Dept: Risk Management Unit
Usman M. Usman
- Department:
- Risk Management Unit
- University/Degree:
- Baze University, BSc. Accounting
What was most exciting about being a part of the NSIA’s Young Leaders Programme?
The most exhilarating aspect of being a part of the NYLP was the unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth which resonates deeply with me. Networking with similar-minded talents and interacting with accomplished professionals left an incredible mark on me.
What is it like currently working for the NSIA?
I find working in NSIA to be fun, challenging and performance-driven. I had never envisioned myself working within a legal department, however, my second rotation has placed me in the Legal department, and I am finding it quite interesting. This is an incredibly fulfilling experience and my dream come true of being a finance professional.
Kalesanmi Olawole
Dept: Investment Operations
Kalesanmi Olawole
- Department:
- Investment Operations.
- University/Degree:
- University of Ilorin, Civil Engeering.
What was most exciting about being a part of the NSIA’s Young Leaders Programme?
It was really good. I had wanted to try my hands on something new and being in the program was exciting. The classes were insightful and the people were nice and contributed a lot. I learnt a lot from just being there. I had no previous background in finance and got to learn a lot. Also, the relationships I formed during the program are still very special to me so that’s another plus.
What is it like currently working for the NSIA?
So far so good. It’s been very stressful working in Investment Operations, but it’s been great. I enjoy the people I work with, they carry me along and are very supportive.
Nkasire Ifu
Dept: Nigeria Infrastructure Fund (NIF)
Nkasire Ifu
- Department:
- Nigeria Infrastructure Fund (NIF)
- University/Degree:
- Babcock University, Law.
What was most exciting about being a part of the NSIA’s Young Leaders Programme?
The most exciting part was definitely the opportunity that I got to meet various people from all over Nigeria. I got to interact with a lot of intelligent people. The training itself also was very engaging and introduced me to a new world of knowledge in finance, equipping me with the tools I need for my career in future.
What is it like currently working for the NSIA?
It’s been lovely, and decent. It’s a good conducive working environment with amazing people and I look forward to the experiences I stand to gain from being a part of the organization.
Muhammad Maikudi
Dept: Legal
Muhammad Maikudi
- Department:
- Legal
- University/Degree:
- Eastern Mediterranean University, Software Engineering.
What was most exciting about being a part of the NSIA’s Young Leaders Programme?
The training was intense, but it was exciting to get a chance to compete with some very talented individuals. Getting into the program was the cherry on top.
What is it like currently working for the NSIA?
So far so good. I originally studied Software Engineering and I’m currently in legal department so it’s crazy, I’m learning a lot of stuff that I didn’t even know I could learn.
Omotolani Abimbola
Dept: Finance
Omotolani Abimbola
- Department:
- Finance
- University/Degree:
- Federal University of Technology, Applied Geology.
What was most exciting about being a part of the NSIA’s Young Leaders Programme?
The program properly introduced me to the Finance field. I already have solid a background in Marketing, Strategy, Technology and Consulting. So for me, Finance was the gap my CV was missing and it was really crucial for me to gain experience in that area. Also, I got to meet some amazing new people.
What is it like currently working for the NSIA?
I’m really just excited. I love what I do. I love my team members, they’re really supportive and always eager to teach me more. I love the prospect of moving around other departments as well, I’m really looking forward to that.
Sylvia Ukaegbu
Dept: Credit Risk
Sylvia Ukaegbu
- Department:
- Credit Risk
- University/Degree:
- Caritas University, Chemical Engineering.
What was most exciting about being a part of the NSIA’s Young Leaders Programme?
Being trained as a chemical engineer, it was tough. I was being introduced into the world of finance with this program for the very first time. It was a completely different experience. I didn’t have a close relationship with the trainers because it was virtual, but I found a few of them interesting, especially our general coordinator who was really nice. My fellow trainees as well were very cheerful, ready to learn and willing to help and assist each other.
What is it like currently working for the NSIA?
Five words? I’ll say: fun, interesting, educative, engaging and explosive. I am getting to learn a lot. I’ve come to understand the concept of risk management and the importance of risk management in an organisation as well as how to conduct a risk assessment. The experience I’m gaining here is very important to me.
Mercy Imonighavwe
Dept: Externally Managed Investment (EMI)
Mercy Imonighavwe
- Department:
- Externally Managed Investment (EMI)
- University/Degree:
- Lancaster University, Finance
What was most exciting about being a part of the NSIA’s Young Leaders Programme?
Learning new things and being exposed to new information and a whole bag of knowledge. Also meeting people from different backgrounds and all facets of life around the country, definitely.
What is it like currently working for the NSIA?
This is by far the most challenging venture I have embarked on till date. Learning has been the theme of my journey and it has been going well thus far. Even with a finance background, working with the externally managed investments team has been quite surreal. I am being exposed to a plethora of information and experience that I will forever be grateful for.
