In a bold move to deepen public understanding of monetary policy and stimulate thought-leadership on national economic development, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has announced the establishment of a new lecture series to be conducted in collaboration with leading tertiary institutions across Nigeria over the next three years. The initiative, unveiled in a statement released by the CBN on Tuesday, October 1, 2025, is poised to serve as a dynamic platform for engaging stakeholders in meaningful dialogue about Nigeria’s economic future, fostering innovation, and advancing an inclusive financial system that benefits all Nigerians.
The CBN’s statement described the lecture series as a cornerstone of its strategy to enhance the transmission of monetary policy and promote a deeper understanding of its role in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. By partnering with esteemed academic institutions, the apex bank aims to create a space where policymakers, industry leaders, academics, students, and the public can engage in robust discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s economy. This initiative underscores the CBN’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and inclusivity, positioning Nigeria as a leader not only in Africa but also on the global stage.
The inaugural lecture, set to take place at the prestigious Lagos Business School on Friday, October 3, 2025, will be delivered by Governor Cardoso himself. Titled “Next Generation Leadership in Monetary Policy and Nation Building,” the lecture will serve a dual purpose: to mark the second anniversary of Cardoso’s leadership at the CBN and to set the tone for the lecture series’ overarching objectives. The event is expected to attract a high-profile audience, including senior policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and students, highlighting the pivotal role of monetary policy in fostering economic stability, growth, and national development.
A Milestone for “Team Cardoso”
The launch of the lecture series comes at a significant moment for the CBN, as it coincides with the second anniversary of Governor Cardoso’s tenure, which began in September 2023. Over the past two years, Cardoso and his team, colloquially referred to as “Team Cardoso,” have steered the apex bank through a transformative period defined by a renewed focus on price stability, institutional transparency, and aligning monetary policy with the everyday realities of Nigerians. These priorities have been central to the CBN’s efforts to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, including inflation, currency volatility, and the need for sustainable growth.
Under Cardoso’s leadership, the CBN has adopted a proactive approach to monetary policy, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding price stability as a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth and protecting the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians. This focus has been particularly critical in a period marked by global economic uncertainties, including fluctuating commodity prices, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. By prioritizing price stability, the CBN aims to create a stable economic environment that fosters investment, job creation, and long-term prosperity.
The inaugural lecture will provide an opportunity for Cardoso to reflect on the achievements and challenges of his tenure while outlining his vision for the future of monetary policy in Nigeria. It will also serve as a platform to articulate the CBN’s strategy for harnessing Nigeria’s unique strengths—such as its youthful population, technological advancements, and evolving global financial landscape—to drive economic transformation.
The Vision Behind the Lecture Series
The CBN’s lecture series is envisioned as a catalyst for fostering dialogue, promoting innovation, and advancing an inclusive financial system that serves all Nigerians. By engaging with leading tertiary institutions, the CBN seeks to bridge the gap between academia, policymakers, and the private sector, creating a collaborative environment where innovative ideas can flourish. The initiative is particularly timely, as Nigeria navigates a rapidly changing global economic landscape characterized by technological disruption, shifting financial paradigms, and the growing influence of emerging markets.
In its statement, the CBN emphasized that the lecture series is designed to “promote thought-leadership discourse on national economic development.” This reflects the bank’s recognition that addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges requires more than just sound monetary policy—it demands a holistic approach that incorporates diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. By creating a platform for open dialogue, the CBN hopes to inspire new ideas and strategies that will drive sustainable growth and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa and beyond.
The lecture series also aligns with the CBN’s broader mission to enhance the transmission of monetary policy. Effective monetary policy relies not only on the actions of the central bank but also on the understanding and cooperation of the public, businesses, and other stakeholders. By engaging with a wide range of audiences through the lecture series, the CBN aims to demystify monetary policy, making it more accessible and relevant to ordinary Nigerians. This, in turn, will strengthen public trust in the CBN and enhance the effectiveness of its policies.
Cardoso’s Leadership Philosophy: Adapting to a Changing World
Since assuming office in September 2023, Governor Cardoso has consistently emphasized the importance of adaptive monetary policy in a rapidly evolving global and domestic environment. In an earlier engagement, he noted, “Nigeria is at a pivotal moment, where technology, global financial realignments, and the energy of its youthful population are reshaping its economic future. Innovation must be harnessed intentionally and confidently, particularly by institutions like the CBN.”
This philosophy has guided Cardoso’s approach to leadership at the CBN, as he has sought to balance the bank’s core mandate of price stability with the need to address emerging challenges and opportunities. For instance, the rise of digital technologies, such as mobile banking and fintech platforms, has transformed the financial landscape in Nigeria, creating new opportunities for financial inclusion. At the same time, global economic trends, such as the shift toward green energy and sustainable finance, have necessitated a rethinking of traditional monetary policy frameworks.
Cardoso’s emphasis on innovation is particularly relevant in the context of Nigeria’s youthful population, which represents both a challenge and an opportunity. With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 25, the country has a unique demographic advantage that, if harnessed effectively, could drive economic growth and innovation. However, this also requires addressing issues such as unemployment, education, and access to opportunities, all of which are influenced by monetary and economic policies.
Through the lecture series, Cardoso aims to engage directly with Nigeria’s youth, particularly students, to inspire the next generation of leaders to take an active role in shaping the country’s economic future. By fostering dialogue between policymakers, academics, and young people, the CBN hopes to cultivate a new generation of thought leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s economy.
The Inaugural Lecture: A Platform for Vision and Dialogue
The inaugural lecture at Lagos Business School on October 3, 2025, is expected to set the tone for the entire lecture series. Titled “Next Generation Leadership in Monetary Policy and Nation Building,” the lecture will explore the critical role of monetary policy in driving economic stability and national development while highlighting the importance of leadership in navigating Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The choice of Lagos Business School as the venue for the inaugural lecture is significant. As one of Nigeria’s leading institutions for business education, the school has a reputation for fostering innovation and thought leadership. By hosting the lecture at this prestigious institution, the CBN is signaling its commitment to engaging with Nigeria’s intellectual and business communities in a meaningful way.
The lecture is expected to cover a range of topics, including the CBN’s efforts to maintain price stability, the role of monetary policy in addressing inflation and currency volatility, and the importance of fostering an inclusive financial system. Cardoso is also likely to address the challenges posed by global economic trends, such as rising interest rates in advanced economies, disruptions in global supply chains, and the growing importance of digital currencies.
In addition to reflecting on the CBN’s achievements over the past two years, the lecture will provide an opportunity for Cardoso to outline his vision for the future. This includes leveraging Nigeria’s strengths—such as its vibrant tech ecosystem, growing digital economy, and youthful population—to drive economic transformation. By fostering dialogue with a diverse audience, Cardoso hopes to inspire new ideas and strategies that will shape Nigeria’s economic future.
The Broader Context: Nigeria’s Economic Challenges and Opportunities
The launch of the lecture series comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s economy. Despite its vast natural resources and human capital, the country faces significant challenges, including high inflation, currency depreciation, and unemployment. At the same time, Nigeria has immense potential to become a leading economic powerhouse in Africa, thanks to its large and growing population, strategic geographic position, and burgeoning tech sector.
Monetary policy plays a central role in addressing these challenges and unlocking Nigeria’s potential. By maintaining price stability, the CBN can create a conducive environment for investment and economic growth. At the same time, the bank must navigate complex global and domestic dynamics, including the impact of global inflation, fluctuating oil prices, and the transition to a more digital and sustainable economy.
The lecture series is a reflection of the CBN’s recognition that addressing these challenges requires collaboration and innovation. By engaging with tertiary institutions, the CBN is tapping into Nigeria’s intellectual capital, fostering a culture of research and innovation that can inform policy decisions. This approach is particularly important in a country like Nigeria, where the pace of change is rapid, and the need for adaptive policies is more pressing than ever.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Nigeria’s Economic Future
The CBN’s lecture series is more than just a platform for dialogue—it is a bold statement of intent. By fostering thought-leadership and collaboration, the CBN is positioning itself as a proactive and forward-thinking institution that is committed to driving Nigeria’s economic transformation. Over the next three years, the lecture series is expected to cover a wide range of topics, from financial inclusion and digital innovation to sustainable finance and global economic trends.
For Governor Cardoso, the lecture series is an opportunity to build on the achievements of his tenure while laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. By engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, the CBN hopes to create a shared vision for Nigeria’s economic future—one that harnesses the country’s unique strengths and addresses its challenges head-on.
As Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its economic history, the CBN’s lecture series represents a significant step toward fostering the dialogue, innovation, and leadership needed to navigate the complexities of the modern global economy. With Cardoso at the helm, the CBN is poised to play a central role in shaping Nigeria’s economic future, ensuring that monetary policy serves as a catalyst for growth, stability, and national development.
In conclusion, the launch of the CBN’s lecture series marks a new chapter in the bank’s efforts to engage with Nigerians and drive economic progress. By creating a platform for thought-leadership and collaboration, the CBN is demonstrating its commitment to transparency, innovation, and inclusivity. As the series unfolds over the next three years, it has the potential to inspire a new generation of leaders and ideas that will shape Nigeria’s economic destiny for years to come.
