KEY POINTS
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UBA inducts 700 graduates under leadership programme.
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The initiative has trained over 4,000 professionals since inception.
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Tony Elumelu urges new inductees to uphold integrity and excellence.
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa Plc, has inducted more than 700 young professionals into its workforce through the Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), a flagship leadership scheme aimed at grooming the next generation of African leaders.
Since its launch three years ago, the programme has trained over 4,000 graduates across various banking and finance disciplines. Participants are provided with mentorship, technical skills, and practical exposure to help them build long-term careers within the financial sector.
Leadership programme shapes future executives
Speaking at the 2025 GMAP graduation ceremony held at the Landmark Events Centre in Lagos, UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, charged the inductees to uphold the bank’s long-standing values of excellence, integrity, and service.
He described the new entrants as “lions and lionesses,” reflecting the organisation’s culture of boldness and purpose-driven leadership. “We are happy to have you as part of this tribe. I started out just like you, and I am proud that UBA continues to provide opportunities for young Africans to grow. Remember your purpose and stay driven. We must show the world that African institutions can be globally respected,” Elumelu said.
Representing the Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, Deputy GMD Chukwuma Nweke urged the graduates to carry UBA’s legacy of innovation and professionalism wherever they go. He said the bank’s workforce, which now spans more than 30,000 employees across 20 African countries and key international hubs, reflects its commitment to global excellence.
UBA inducts 700 graduates under a programme designed not only to develop banking professionals but also to shape leaders who can redefine Africa’s role in the global financial system.
Graduates reflect on transformative journey
Some of the graduates described the programme as demanding yet rewarding. Ayomitide Ebo called the experience “rigorous but transformative,” while Mary Olatibosun said joining UBA fulfilled a lifelong ambition. From Kenya, Rosemary Morioki noted that “it has been intense but rewarding. We are ready to bring our innovative ideas to drive Africa’s global bank forward.”
According to The Vanguard, the bank said it will continue to expand GMAP as part of its strategy to nurture homegrown talent capable of driving sustainable growth across Africa’s banking sector.
