As Nigeria navigated the twin pressures of economic reform and digital disruption, a new generation of student leaders refused to wait on the sidelines. On April 30, 2026, McPherson University (Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State) transformed into a critical meeting point for capital, innovation, and policy, successfully hosting The Odyssey Conference 2026.
Dubbed a “high-impact, student-led platform,” the conference arrived at a time when Nigerian youth were seeking practical pathways beyond traditional classroom theory.
Under the theme “Innovate, Invest, Impact: The New Economy,” the event moved beyond rhetoric, tackling the structural barriers to wealth creation in Africa’s largest economy.
The organisers noted that while Nigerian universities produce vast intellectual capital, a disconnect has often remained between academic curricula and the practical realities of financial systems. The Odyssey Conference was designed to surgically address that gap. With over 300 attendees from McPherson, Covenant, University of Lagos, and Precious Cornerstone universities, the event provided direct access to the kind of networks and mentorship typically reserved for C-suite executives.
Distinguished Speakers & Deep-Dive Panels
The conference brought together a powerful lineup of industry leaders in a single, high-impact flow. Femi Oyenuga delivered a keynote titled “A Call for CSR Support: Building the ‘Free Access’ Runway’ , while Mr Tunde Lemo OFR, ably represented by Mr Goddy Oki, CEO of CashConnect Microfinance Bank, spoke on financial systems and economic development. These addresses were followed by three specialised panels: a Finance & Investment Panel where Dr. Femi Oladele (MORE by Meristem) and Mr. Charles Njoku (Zedcrest Wealth) discussed capital, risk, and wealth creation; a Tech & Innovation Panel with Iyeoluwa Akinrinola (Verve International) and Dr. Oladosu Emmanuel (Dosu Group) on fostering Africa’s digital economy; and a Creative Industry & Digital Monetisation Panel featuring Esiaga Favour Ifeanyi (Esiaga Productions) and Ms. Kehinde Odusote (TechCabal Insights). All sessions successfully translated high-level ideas into actionable insights for the students.
The Convener’s Story
The conference was the brainchild of Mubarak Ishola (Vice President, Nigerian Economics Students Association, McPherson Chapter), working alongside Ubong Tom-Pius (Project Co-Lead) and Bisola Omojuwa (NESA President). Reflecting on the event’s success, Ishola noted how they addressed a notable market failure in student engagement:
“After attending several university conferences, I noticed a gap—students rarely had access to top industry leaders shaping Nigeria’s economy. The Odyssey Conference was created to change that. We built something that was not only high-impact but also completely free, removing barriers for students who genuinely wanted to learn, connect, and grow.”
Strategic Support and Media Partnership
The initiative garnered institutional backing from key players in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, including Zedcrest Wealth, MORE by Meristem, Chams Corporation Plc Risk Analyst Insurance and Brokers and Checlers, underscoring the private sector’s interest in early-stage talent identification. Nairametrics served as the official media partner for the event.
For investors and policymakers watching the “New Economy,” The Odyssey Conference 2026 served as a leading indicator. It signalled a shift where Nigerian students are no longer passive observers but active organisers of capital, ideas, and economic change. By lowering financial barriers to entry, McPherson University scripted a new playbook for how the next generation enters—and reshapes—the marketplace.
