By Precious Enaike

Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Nigeria’s next generation of technology innovators through its participation in the 2026 Technology and Engineering Students’ Association (TESA) Conference at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

Executive Director, Technology, Mujib Ishola, represented the company at the event, leading a fireside chat titled “Beyond the Degree: How Engineers Are Redefining Success Across Industries” and serving as a judge at the conference’s innovation hackathon.

Addressing students and aspiring engineers, Ishola urged participants to see engineering as more than a profession, describing it as a mindset focused on solving meaningful problems, creating value and embracing continuous learning.

“Leadership is a continuous learning experience. There isn’t a handbook that prepares you for every challenge because technology, business and the world are constantly changing. Every day presents a new opportunity to learn, adapt and grow,” he said.

Drawing from Remita’s experience in building Nigeria’s payment infrastructure, Ishola said innovation often requires bold decisions despite uncertain outcomes.

“Some of the most important decisions are the ones where the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Sometimes you have to commit resources, bring different stakeholders together and believe in what the solution can become. That’s how meaningful innovation happens,” he said.

He stressed that delivering technology at scale demands collaboration among businesses, institutions and regulators, while noting that competition should be viewed as a catalyst for innovation rather than a threat.

“Competition has always existed, and that’s a good thing because it pushes us to think differently. At the end of the day, people are not looking for payments; they are looking to solve everyday problems. Payments simply enable those solutions,” he added.

Ishola also underscored the importance of trust in digital innovation, saying security and data protection must remain non-negotiable as technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life.

“When decisions affect security and data, there is very little room for compromise. Trust is the foundation of every technology business, and protecting it must always come first,” he said.

As a hackathon judge, Ishola commended the ingenuity displayed by participating students, noting that innovation thrives when young talents are given opportunities to experiment, collaborate and transform ideas into practical solutions.

He encouraged students to remain confident in their abilities while embracing lifelong learning.

“Be confident in what you know, and be humble enough to learn what you don’t. The knowledge you seek already exists in someone else’s experience. Never stop learning, because that is how great innovators are built,” he said.

Remita said its participation at the OAU TESA Conference reflects its broader commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy by investing in young talent through mentorship, knowledge sharing and practical innovation.