Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion

Abstract

The study employed the Probit regression on the National Bureau of Statistics general households survey data to appraise the effect of financial literacy on financial inclusion in Niger State. The estimation result shows that financial literacy positively and statistically influences financial inclusion options (account ownership, bank access, and credit access) in Niger state. Similarly, education status, age, and gender are determinants of financial inclusion. The study concluded that financial literacy is necessary for achieving financial inclusion. To encourage financial inclusion among youth, the government should include financial education in secondary school and tertiary to teach skills and information on how to utilize and manage financial services and products. The central bank should also mandate the financial institutions to establish customer financial advisory units to educate their clients on managing and using financial products and services available to them to create wealth, thus improving living standards.