The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the graduation ceremony for the class of 2025 GMAP held in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The trainees, who underwent a six-month intensive training programme, were selected from Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Cameroon, Zambia, and Kenya.
In 2023, UBA graduated 700 trainees, followed by 398 in 2024, bringing the total number of graduates to 3,222 under the GMAP initiative.
They will be deployed across various departments, including Sales, Credit Analysis, Group Finance, and Treasury, to enhance operational efficiency and drive the bank’s strategic growth.
Speaking at the ceremony, UBA’s Group Chairman, Mr Tony Elumelu, congratulated the new entrants whom he referred to as his newest colleagues.
He stated that the six-month intensive training would shape the participants’ worldview and equip them with the skills to drive innovation in the banking and financial services sector.
Elumelu, who turned the occasion into an interactive session, addressed the graduands’ questions and concerns while also noting their suggestions.
He elaborated on UBA’s vision and commitment to youth empowerment across Nigeria and Africa, emphasisng the importance of hard work and resilience as essential leadership qualities for career growth.
Elumelu highlighted infrastructure deficits, inadequate power supply, and insecurity as key challenges that must be tackled for the continent’s rapid development.
Sharing insights from his personal and professional journey, he spoke about overcoming career and family challenges and advised new entrants on achieving a balanced approach to success.
He underscored the importance of a strong financial system for national growth, urging the new team to spearhead innovation in the sector.
“We will remain competitive, but demand performance.
“All of use must keep reinventing. You must realise that status quo is not an option,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Oliver Alawuba, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UBA, commended the graduands for their resilience and discipline in successfully completing the rigorous training.
Alawuba expressed gratitude to their families and trainers for their support and encouraged the graduands to uphold UBA’s core values of excellence, enterprise, and execution, along with simplicity, responsiveness, and a goal-oriented mindset.
According to him, the GMAP programme reflects UBA’s commitment to equipping the brightest minds with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to navigate the evolving financial landscape and drive Africa’s economic transformation.
“Since inception, GMAP has successfully graduated 3,222 trainees across Cohorts 1 to 16, producing dynamic professionals, who are making significant contributions across various departments of the bank,” he said.
He said that the new cohort of 1,138 graduates included 666 women, representing 58 per cent of the total, in line with UBA’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.
He outlined the various career growth opportunities available to the new employees, emphasising that many GMAP alumni had risen to leadership positions within the bank.
“At the United Bank for Africa (UBA), we are more than a bank – we are an institution committed to transforming Africa,” he said.
Two GMAP alumni, Nneoma Chikere (2023), a Profit Centre Manager, and Gbolahan Adeyemi (2022), a Relationship Officer in the Corporate Banking Directorate, shared their success stories.
Both staff members, who have received multiple commendation letters and awards, encouraged the new entrants to be bold and innovative in their careers.
Awards were presented to outstanding trainees, with Nansy Olikeze emerging as the overall best trainee.
Collins Chekuba secured second place, while Owumi Omagbemi and Olusaseyi Awofade took third and fourth places, respectively.
Other award recipients in various categories included Yahaya Ham, Glory Ahmed, Fathait Yusuf, and Betty Dosumu.(NAN)
