Month: November 2024

With the variety of new educational pathways emerging, parents must be more discerning.

Can “international programs” really provide a way to “sneak into top universities with low scores”?

Today marks the start of the 2025 college enrollment process in Beijing, and with it comes a flurry of recommendations through social media platforms advocating for alternative pathways beyond the traditional college entrance examination. Options like international bachelor’s programs and Sino-foreign cooperative education initiatives are growing rapidly, leaving many parents feeling overwhelmed by the choices, especially as social media influencers suddenly claim expertise in educational planning. Amidst this excitement, it’s crucial for parents to focus on gathering and verifying information.

Is it possible to attend a 985 university with just undergraduate scores?

Many articles suggest, “With a Sino-foreign cooperative international bachelor’s program, you won’t need to go abroad, and the costs are manageable for typical families.” One parent, Ms. Lin, found herself drawn to these claims while researching educational options for her high school senior. The messaging presented these programs as shortcuts to prestigious universities with high-value diplomas. “My child’s grades are average. Is it possible to use a Sino-foreign cooperative program to fulfill our dream of attending a top university?” she pondered.

Investigations reveal that reputable institutions like Beijing Institute of Technology do indeed have 4+0 and 3+0 cooperative programs. For instance, the 4+0 program with Utah State University allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree while studying entirely in China for four years, which seems appealing given the more relaxed admission criteria. Enrollment for the 2024 batch requires students to meet the local undergraduate admission score and achieve at least 60% in English and Math. However, while the overall cost of approximately 390,000 RMB over four years is more affordable than studying abroad, there’s less clarity regarding the degree awarded. Graduates receive a diploma from Utah State University, although Beijing Institute of Technology does not issue its own certificates, raising questions about their distinct advantages.

Similar offerings, such as the 3+0 program at Beijing Institute of Technology and the accounting program at Central University of Finance and Economics, also abide by different admission standards pre- and post-examination, ultimately granting degrees from foreign institutions that are considered less prestigious.

Are there genuinely cooperative programs providing dual degrees without leaving the country?

Yes, such options do exist, but they often require significant qualifications. For example, China Agricultural University offers a 4+0 program in partnership with the University of Colorado Denver, where students can obtain diplomas from both institutions depending on the category of admission they fall under.

Shanghai New York University is another popular choice for parents, as graduates receive diplomas from both its own institution and New York University. The process for applying for enrollment for 2025 has just been announced, requiring potential students to submit grades and test scores before being invited for a campus day, followed by passing the national exam—a competitive process that narrows candidates significantly.

Is it feasible for students to bypass high school entirely and jump directly into an undergraduate program?

Some narratives are significantly exaggerated, implying that poor-performing students can easily enter esteemed foreign universities. One video claimed that families with annual incomes of 200,000 RMB needn’t worry about entrance exams, suggesting it’s as easy as paying 800,000 RMB to enter institutions like Nanyang Technological University in Singapore right after middle school. However, the reality is quite different.

A resident, Ms. Bai, who graduated from middle school in China and subsequently moved to Singapore, noted, “You definitely need a high school diploma; no one gets into university with just a middle school certificate.” Admission to Singaporean junior colleges—akin to pre-university programs—requires passing O-Level exams. Ms. Bai emphasized that one must achieve high grades to gain entry even to these junior colleges, and she highlighted how entry requirements for public universities in Singapore remain stringent.

Claims that students can enroll in junior colleges without sufficient academic credentials overlook the reality that both junior colleges and universities have their own entrance criteria, delineating a confusing narrative. Ms. Bai pointed out that simply having some qualifications doesn’t guarantee entry into reputable universities.

Calls claiming that anyone can enter a public university with just 300 points lack credibility and serve to mislead prospective students and parents. Many of the paths marketed as “easy bypasses” frequently obscure factual details, enticing families based on wishful thinking rather than reality.

Currently, as educational models diversify, they present students with numerous options, yet there remains a lack of reliable information sources evaluating these various programs objectively. It falls to parents and students to seek out accurate details from official institutional websites or direct inquiries.

In the end, while various pathways exist, a critical examination is necessary when navigating the increasingly complex landscape of education and admissions processes.

On October 15, at the 2024 International Higher Education Forum held in Beijing, Ren Youqun, the Party Secretary of Shandong University, emphasized the necessity for higher education to actively embrace the era of artificial intelligence. In an exclusive interview with China News Service, he stated that higher education must push for high-quality development through proactive engagement with change.

Ren pointed out that artificial intelligence is fundamentally altering the ways people think, produce, live, and learn. It significantly encourages transformative teaching methods, moving classrooms and learning environments beyond the traditional, teacher-centered “teacher-student” dichotomy, resulting in a more innovative and open educational landscape.

He acknowledged that while artificial intelligence presents exciting opportunities, it also poses new challenges for the governance model of higher education and talent development, particularly highlighting the need for improvement in teachers’ digital competencies.

In his view, universities should explore new forms of educational instruction. This includes creating robust online teaching resources and utilizing technologies such as VR/AR and AI for smart education. Simultaneously, they should investigate new paradigms for scientific research by establishing digital platforms for information sharing and creating mechanisms that facilitate communication across disciplines, enabling collaboration between liberal arts, sciences, engineering, and medicine to spark innovative ideas.

Ren also stressed the importance of exploring new governance models for modern universities. This involves accelerating the development of a digital work system that efficiently serves both faculty and students, establishing a “smart hub” that can analyze vast amounts of data in real time to support informed decision-making, and building a high-level teaching and management team that meets the demands of the AI era by integrating digital thinking and methods into all aspects of university operations.

Another critical issue in higher education that Ren aims to address is the cultivation of top-tier innovative talent. He identified several challenges that need urgent attention, such as an exam-oriented mentality that stifles students’ creativity and exploration, limitations in resources that hinder effective talent development, and a singular evaluation mechanism that impacts educational outcomes.

As a major force in nurturing exceptional innovative talent, Ren believes universities should enhance their self-sustainability. This entails deepened foresight and comprehensive planning regarding the goals and pathways for cultivating excellence in foundational disciplines. It is essential to emphasize personalized educational plans and early research guidance while exploring unconventional, extended educational pathways for developing top talent.

Furthermore, he suggested broadening recruitment channels by integrating both “bottom-up” and “top-down” approaches in admissions, establishing a dynamic selection mechanism that spans the entire process, and creating evaluation criteria that align with the unique characteristics of top students in foundational disciplines.

In terms of faculty development, universities should leverage the exemplary roles of accomplished scholars, institutionalizing their involvement in cultivating top-tier innovative talent. Ren believes that creating an enriching educational environment can inspire students’ academic interests while enhancing their ability to integrate knowledge and solve problems.

Additionally, he called for deeper educational reforms. By adhering to the principle of integrated development of education, science, and talent, the aim is to drive profound changes within the educational system, boost financial investment and institutional support, and enhance the efficiency of talent cultivation through digital empowerment.

“International openness in education is essential for cultivating top-tier innovative talent and is a crucial path for building world-class universities,” Ren stated. He highlighted that as top universities work to develop exceptional innovative talent, they should foster mutual understanding, appreciation, and exchange to play a unique role in constructing an autonomous Chinese knowledge system. This involves both pioneering pathways for knowledge system innovation and serving as a bridge to promote the integration of knowledge systems on a global scale, facilitating an exchange of ideas and shared understanding.

During a recent book launch event in Beijing for “Home Is Where the Heart Is: Taiwanese Youth’s Dream-Chasing Journey in Mainland China,” one of the featured individuals, Zhang Youfang, shared her story. The Taiwanese artist, who hails from New Taipei City, made her official debut in 2009 after participating in the mainland singing competition “Super Girl.” With over 20 years spent pursuing her music dreams in China, she has finally found her sense of home.

“The name ‘Liuzhi’ means ‘to take root’ in Minnan dialect, and I chose it for my studio because I hope to establish my roots here in the mainland,” Zhang remarked.

The new book tells the stories of 33 Taiwanese youths and highlights the unique paths they have taken in their quest for their dreams on the mainland. Although each person’s journey is distinct, a common sentiment prevails: “Home is where the heart finds peace.”

For architect Zhou Shining, his reason for moving to the mainland revolves around family ties. Born in Taipei, he moved to Shanghai at the age of six before studying in Canada and the U.S. At 29, he settled in Beijing and now serves as the deputy director of the Architectural Design Institute at the Beijing Architectural Design and Research Institute.

Zhou shared that his pursuit of dreams on the mainland is deeply rooted in his family’s history. His grandfather was originally from Ningbo, Zhejiang, and after spending decades in Taiwan, he fulfilled his dream of returning to the mainland in his 90s. Zhou’s grandfather dedicated his time to fostering cultural exchanges and philanthropy between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, while most of his artworks returned to their origins in Fuzhou. This familial connection has significantly influenced Zhou’s life path.

From a young age, Zhou developed a strong interest in Chinese architectural culture, which ultimately drew him to Beijing. In 2020, he married an artist from Wenzhou, Zhejiang, and the couple recently became new parents, continuing the ties between Taiwan and the mainland. He humorously quipped, “Maybe I am just a bridge myself.”

Beyond familial connections, the vast opportunities on the mainland are another compelling reason for Taiwanese youths to stay. Bai Fuping, a Taiwanese woman working at Beijing United Family Hospital, made the choice to move after studying in the United States. “This decision wasn’t made on a whim; it came after thorough investigation,” she explained.

Bai recounted her experiences interning in Shanghai during her studies and participating in various exchange programs. These opportunities allowed her to witness the rapid rise of the mainland market and the diverse prospects available for young people. In less than three years of working in Beijing, she progressed from a junior staff member to an assistant to the hospital director.

Similarly, Taiwanese youth Xu Chengying is also engaged in the healthcare field in Beijing. Inspired by her grandfather’s research in traditional Chinese medicine, she is committed to this path. After graduating from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, she became a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. When asked why she came to the mainland to study and work, she stated, “The roots of traditional Chinese medicine lie here. The market is larger, allowing me to reach more patients and refine my skills.”

After living in Beijing for over a decade, Chen Wencheng, a Taiwanese professor at Peking University, cherishes his family life with his wife and two children. He expresses a strong desire for more exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland, advocating for young people to engage across the strait and foster open communication.

“We ‘returnees’ share our experiences of traveling, working, studying, and settling down in the mainland with our families in Taiwan, which could change their perceptions,” Bai noted. She emphasizes that cross-strait communication is not about grand narratives, but rather about everyday interactions. When she returned to her alma mater in Taiwan to discuss her experiences, she was surprised to find that about two-thirds of students raised their hands when asked how many used mainland social media.

Bai believes that cross-strait exchanges occur constantly, particularly in the era of new media, and she hopes that more Taiwanese youth will share their stories of perseverance on the mainland, allowing their peers back home to see a more authentic, accessible picture of life across the strait.

On October 21, Beijing Daxing International Airport announced impressive statistics for the year. As of October 20, the airport has facilitated a total of 262,100 flight departures and arrivals, serving 40.01 million passengers. This marks a significant 28.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023, and it’s the first time since its opening that the airport has surpassed the 40 million passenger milestone, setting a new annual record.

Currently, Daxing Airport is home to 65 airlines. By September of this year, 43 domestic and international airlines operated a combined total of 216 passenger routes, connecting to 197 destinations both domestically and internationally. Among these, there are 43 routes to international destinations and Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, with over 20,000 international and regional flights and more than 3.7 million international passengers serviced.

The airport has established a strong presence in the international flight markets of Russia and the Middle East. Daxing will continue to enhance its flights to nearby Northeast Asian and Southeast Asian regions while actively pursuing additional international and regional routes in Central Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, and Africa. Looking ahead, Daxing Airport will welcome Singapore Airlines, increase its flights to Singapore, and add more international destinations, such as Sydney and Melbourne, providing travelers with a broader range of options.

To cater to international travelers arriving in China, Daxing Airport has introduced an overseas payment service center this year. Additionally, flight information screens now feature a language switch option to display destination country languages, allowing for information in Russian, Japanese, Korean, and more, in addition to Chinese and English. Future plans include establishing a Beijing service center at the airport to address various needs of foreign travelers, including inquiries, ticket purchases, car rentals, and communication assistance.

Recently, the first insurance policy for ancient trees in Tibet has been successfully implemented, underwritten by China Life Property & Casualty Insurance’s Tibet branch. This policy offers a total risk coverage of 1 million yuan for five ancient trees, including a 2,100-year-old walnut tree in Shannan City, which is recognized as the oldest tree in the region.

As we enter Jiacha County in Shannan City, known as the “Hometown of Millennial Walnuts,” we are greeted by majestic ancient walnut trees that have withstood the test of time. Among them stands the Anrao Town ancient walnut tree, over 2,100 years old, towering like a giant against the backdrop of towering snow-capped mountains and the flowing Yarlung Tsangpo River, showcasing the unique and breathtaking ecological landscape of the Tibetan plateau.

Growing a tree in such a high-altitude environment is a significant challenge, making those that reach the age of a thousand years even more precious. Ancient trees are living artifacts, regarded as a valuable natural heritage bestowed upon humanity. They are irreplaceable resources that hold immense economic, scientific, and cultural value.

The coverage provided by this ancient tree insurance includes damages caused by unexpected incidents, severe weather events, geological disasters, and other factors that may lead to loss, burial, death, breakage of the main trunk, uprooting, leaning, or branch loss that prevents normal growth. This initiative represents an innovative approach to protecting ancient trees in Tibet. By introducing a commercial insurance mechanism, it enhances the safeguarding of these unique trees and establishes a market-oriented risk-sharing system for their protection. This integration of commercial insurance and ecological conservation effectively leverages green insurance’s role in protecting the environment.

On October 22nd at noon local time, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Kazan aboard a special aircraft at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting.

Before the plane landed at Kazan International Airport, Russian fighter jets took to the skies to provide a security escort.

Upon arrival, President Xi was warmly greeted at the airport by Rustam Minnikhanov, the head of the Republic of Tatarstan, along with the Republic’s Prime Minister Alexey Pesoshin, the mayor of Kazan, Ilsegar Metshin, and senior officials from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Honoring tradition, soldiers lined the sides of the red carpet to salute the president, while young Russian women dressed in national attire extended a warm welcome with traditional gestures.

A large crowd of local residents, along with members of the Chinese expatriate community, gathered along the roadsides to enthusiastically greet President Xi Jinping.

Later that afternoon, President Xi held discussions with President Putin at the Kazan Kremlin. In the evening, he met with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos.

Visiting Chengdu, you can’t help but encounter two iconic symbols at every turn. The first is the beloved giant panda, and the second is the Sun God Bird.

The Sun God Bird motif can be found in many prominent locations throughout Chengdu, including the Tianfu International Airport, the South Railway Station, the subway stations, and the translucent roof of the main venue for the Chengdu Universiade. This emblem has seamlessly integrated into the cultural fabric of Chengdu, becoming a recognizable symbol of the city.

However, the influence of the Sun God Bird extends far beyond Chengdu. In 2005, it stood out from over 1,600 candidates recommended by experts and was designated by the National Cultural Heritage Administration as a graphic symbol of Chinese cultural heritage. It has since become a representation of the countless brilliant cultural treasures of our nation.

What gives this artifact such compelling allure? Its intricate, mysterious, and stunning beauty far exceeds expectations. On the very afternoon of our arrival in Chengdu, we headed straight to the Jinsha Site Museum to “meet” this national treasure.

The Sun God Bird gold ornament was unearthed in 2001 at the Jinsha archaeological site in Chengdu. On the 18th day of the excavation, while conducting a thorough search, archaeologists were drawn to a small clay lump that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. After peeling away the outer layer of soil, they discovered it contained a stunning gold artifact. After restoration, the lively and expressive “Sun God Bird” appeared to come to life.

At the Jinsha Site Museum, the Sun God Bird is showcased prominently in the “Timeless Treasures” hall. There, a delicate, thin piece lies tilted on a transparent display, gently rotating 360 degrees. About the size of a CD, it’s crafted from gold foil with a purity of 94.2% and is only 0.02 centimeters thick. The design comprises two layers: the outer layer features 12 rays symbolizing the sun, while the inner layer depicts four Sun God Birds flying counterclockwise, their tails connecting. The pattern is artfully balanced, dynamic, and symmetrical.

Historically, ancient Chinese civilizations revered both the sun and bird spirits. In ancient legends, the sun was often depicted as a golden crow. These motifs frequently appear together in various archaeological finds, such as the “Flying Bird Carrying the Sun” from the Dawenkou culture, the jade eagle from the Lingjiatan site, and the “Bird and Sun Combination” on Liangzhu jade discs, among others.

Originating from the rice-farming cultures of the middle and lower Yangtze River regions approximately 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, the “Sun God Bird” symbolizes the connection between agriculture and spirituality.

The earliest known reference to the Sun God Bird stems from the Hemudu culture, which dates back around 7,000 to 5,000 years. Artifacts featuring dual birds with sun motifs have been excavated from this important Neolithic site in the Yangtze River basin.

From its beginnings in the Yangtze delta, the Sun God Bird spread alongside the expansion of rice cultivation, transcending rivers and traversing regions including both banks of the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers.

At the Jinsha Site in the Chengdu Plain, this iconic motif reflects a process of systemic development, embedding richer meanings related to agricultural practices. Experts suggest that the outer layer’s twelve rays represent the twelve months or hours, while the four birds may symbolize the four seasons or cardinal directions, showcasing the ancestors’ understanding of natural laws based on their farming civilization.

In addition to artistic treasures, the Jinsha Site Museum boasts an important artifact known as the “ancestor of agriculture”—the wooden plow. This simple-looking tool is the only relatively intact wooden agricultural implement from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties discovered in China and serves as crucial evidence of the agricultural prosperity of the Chengdu Plain.

Shaped like a modern shovel and measuring 1.42 meters in length, the wooden plow is crafted from a single piece of wood and used for turning soil. Its remarkable state of preservation, found deep within a discarded “pond” at the site, can be attributed to the lack of air exposure.

According to the “Book of Changes,” which states, “Cut wood for the plow, shape wood for the rake, to teach the world,” the invention of early tools such as the rake was pivotal. The plow historically evolved from the rake, and current archaeological findings confirm that the rake and plow indeed represent the fusion of these primitive agricultural tools. Although an incomplete wooden plow was previously found at the Hemudu site around 7,000 years ago, this Jinsha artifact is notably intact.

Additionally, the earliest known image of the legendary figure Da Yu originates from the Wu Shrine in Jiaxiang County, Shandong, dating to the Eastern Han dynasty. Da Yu is depicted holding a short-handled tool, emblematic of both the plow and water management efforts.

It’s fascinating to consider that our ancient ancestors might have toiled tirelessly in rice fields, contemplating celestial phenomena while simultaneously guarding against the flooding of rivers essential for irrigation. The beautifully crafted Sun God Bird and the humble wooden plow both symbolize the advanced technologies of their time and stand as testaments to the flourishing agricultural civilization along the Yangtze River.

As Election Day approaches, early voting kicked off in New York City at 8 a.m. on October 26. Voters can now cast their ballots, choosing between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump. In addition to selecting a representative for their congressional district, New York City voters will also elect state senators and assembly members, as well as weigh in on six proposed constitutional amendments.

According to a recent Siena College poll, Harris holds a 19-point lead over Trump statewide, while her advantage in New York City is even more pronounced at 48 points. However, Trump shows strong performance in the suburbs, where Harris’s lead narrows to just 5 points, with 52% for Harris and 47% for Trump.

Early voting runs from October 26 through November 3, with varying hours: from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week.

Voters can find their polling locations by visiting the NYC Board of Elections website at findmypollsite.vote.nyc. By entering their home address, they can locate both early voting sites and polling places for Election Day. It’s important for voters to check the details carefully, as their early voting location may differ from their Election Day site.

Registered voters don’t need to show ID to cast their ballots, except for those who failed to provide identification during registration; these individuals will need to present a valid New York ID for their first vote, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, government check, payroll check, or other government documents showing their name and address.

On their ballots, New York City voters will also see candidates for Congress, as well as state senate and assembly positions for their district.

Additionally, voters will be asked to make choices on six ballot propositions. The first proposal aims to amend the state constitution to include abortion protections and prevent discrimination based on race, nationality, age, disability, and other factors.

Proposals two through six focus on amending the City Charter. The second proposal addresses street cleanliness and public spaces, advocating for expanded powers for the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to enforce trash disposal and increase regulation of street vendors. Proposals three through six pertain to local financial accountability, public safety legislation, urban infrastructure, and support for minority- and women-owned businesses.

Voter registration for this crucial election in New York City closed on October 26.

Last week, the number of people filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly dropped, indicating that labor market fluidity remains relatively low.

According to the latest data from the Department of Labor, for the week ending October 19, initial claims for unemployment benefits stood at 227,000—a decrease of 14,000 from the previous week’s figure of 241,000 and below the anticipated 242,000.

Economists suggest that this decline reflects a recovery from the recent disruptions caused by weather events. Nancy Vanden Houten, a senior U.S. economist at Oxford Economics, commented, “Claims in states affected by Hurricane Helen are continuing to fall from their recent highs, while Florida has seen an uptick in claims, likely a result of Hurricane Milton.” She added, “With the drop in initial claims this past week, the numbers are now in line with levels seen before the hurricanes, which aligns with the continued scarcity of layoffs in the labor market.”

Oren Klachkin, an economist at National Financial Markets, noted in a client report, “The job market is continuing to shake off widespread concerns and uncertainties, demonstrating its resilience. Employers might be uncertain about future developments, but they are not letting go of their workers. We expect this dynamic to persist as long as the economy remains on solid footing.”

The Federal Reserve’s October Beige Book, released on the 23rd, echoed similar sentiments. The report, which surveyed businesses across 12 regions, stated, “Worker mobility remains low in many areas, and layoffs remain limited. Demand for workers has eased, with hiring focused primarily on replacements rather than expansions.”

Dike Onwuamaeze

In a recent interview during the “Africa Credit Expo” in Lagos, Mr. Aderemi Abdul-Bojela, Chairman of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CrediCorp), emphasized the transformative potential of the consumer credit system in revitalizing Nigeria’s industrial sector. He believes this initiative is crucial to achieving President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious goal of establishing a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Abdul-Bojela remarked, “To drive our economy forward, we need large-scale credit, especially in consumer lending and mortgages. The current administration is aiming for a $1 trillion economy within the next five years, and consumer credit is a fundamental component of this framework. I can assure you that credit will play a pivotal role in reviving the economy, particularly through a core consumer credit guarantee for ‘Made in Nigeria’ products and services. This is the direction we are heading.”

He went on to discuss plans to leverage credit for the resurgence of the country’s industries and bridge the gap between production and credit access.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director and CEO of CrediCorp, noted the critical opportunity that consumer credit presents for economic transformation. He outlined the necessity of establishing a sustainable credit system within Nigeria’s high-interest environment, which requires a robust credit infrastructure capable of identifying users and generating reliable credit scores. This, he explained, would encourage financial institutions to extend loans.

Nwagba stressed the government’s role in creating regulations that define credit scores, ensuring all loans—both formal and informal—are logged with credit registries. “These loans need to exist within a trackable system, allowing for monitoring of borrowers and fostering a culture of accountability,” he stated. “Credit fundamentally relies on trust—credibility between individuals.”

He emphasized that CrediCorp aims to facilitate cheaper capital access for underserved populations and provide credit guarantees to promote local purchases. “Our goal is to bring interest rates as close to zero as possible for local buyers,” he revealed.

Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Managing Director and CEO of Credit Registry Nigeria, added in her opening address that the time has come to enhance financial literacy among individuals to help them build generational wealth. “Credit is a powerful tool for financial freedom, enabling individuals to start businesses and purchase homes,” she said. “By 2030, we aim to support three million families through our financial literacy initiatives, helping them embark on their journey towards financial independence.”

Furthermore, Hon. John Omotola Soares, CEO of Walfin Brook Limited, highlighted the pivotal moment Nigeria faces in reshaping its credit culture to empower its citizens. He stated, “Our financial systems need to be accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. Often, underserved communities encounter barriers that restrict their access to credit and financial services. By partnering with fintech innovators and local organizations, we can develop tailored solutions to meet the unique challenges these communities face.”