Cordros Asset Management has successfully concluded the fourth edition of its annual financial literacy debate, a competition aimed at empowering Nigerian secondary school students with practical investment knowledge and early exposure to wealth-building strategies. The event, which took place recently in Lagos, featured some of the city’s top schools competing for cash prizes and recognition.
The competition, themed ‘Every Child a Milestone Fund’, saw participation from White Sand Secondary School, Caleb International School, Dowen College, and Chrisland High School. The students tackled one of the most fundamental financial questions: ‘High-risk investment vs. low-risk investment: which is better?’
Dowen College emerged as the overall winner of the debate after arguing convincingly in favour of high-risk investment strategies. The team defended the potential of high-risk investments to generate significant returns, especially when informed decisions are made based on market trends and research. Dowen’s team highlighted examples of growth stocks, cryptocurrency, and venture capital as areas where bold investors could realise high gains. For their performance, the school received a cheque of ₦300,000.
White Sand Secondary School came in second place, presenting arguments in support of low-risk investments such as treasury bills, bonds, and savings accounts. The students explained how governments and large institutions often prefer low-risk investments for consistent and predictable income, pointing out that these options offer better financial stability and capital protection. White Sand’s team was awarded ₦200,000.
Caleb International School and Chrisland High School also participated in the debate, offering insightful perspectives on both sides of the topic. Although they did not finish among the top two, organisers praised all teams for demonstrating a deep understanding of financial principles far beyond their age.
In his welcome remarks, the Managing Director of Cordros Asset Management, Mr. Gbolahon Aina, said the goal of the programme was to instil a strong financial foundation in young Nigerians. He stated, “At Cordros, we believe that financial literacy is not something that should start in adulthood. Our aim is to catch the youths young, teach them the importance of managing money, and expose them to the world of investment early.”
Aina also noted the growth of the initiative over the years, adding that while only two schools participated in the maiden edition, this year saw four schools taking part. He said Cordros intends to expand the programme further in the coming years to reach more students across the country. He described the initiative as a “long-term investment in the financial future of Nigerian youths.”
The competition aligns with Cordros Asset Management’s commitment to financial inclusion and youth empowerment. By giving students real-world knowledge of how investments work, the firm hopes to build a generation of financially informed individuals who can make wise financial choices from an early age.
Cordros Asset Management is a subsidiary of Cordros Capital, one of Nigeria’s leading investment and financial services groups. The firm manages mutual funds and provides a range of asset management services for individuals and institutions.
This year’s debate received praise from educators and parents alike, many of whom described it as a refreshing initiative that bridges the gap between theoretical school subjects and practical life skills. One teacher from Caleb International School said, “These children are discussing ideas many adults shy away from. We’re grateful to Cordros for introducing them to real financial concepts early in life.”
As the programme grows, stakeholders hope that similar initiatives can be replicated across Nigeria, especially in public schools, to ensure that students from all backgrounds can benefit from financial education. The importance of raising financially literate young Nigerians is increasingly seen as a way to combat future economic hardship and encourage entrepreneurship.
