By Gabriel Dike
Babcock University (BU) Ilishan-Remo Ogun State has made history, as it became the first private university in the country to benefit from the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) legacy project, a 160-seater CIBN Bankers Hall.
The institute’s legacy project of endowing an equipped CIBN Bankers Hall is in its 9th stages. The previous 8th projects went to public universities in the country.
At the groundbreaking ceremony of the legacy project, the CIBN President, Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, said the donation of the CIBN Bankers Hall to BU is to boost the education of banking and finance students and lecturers.
According to him, since the inception of the CIBN linkage programme in 1998, aimed at strengthening banking and finance education in Nigerian tertiary institutions, nine successful legacy projects have been implemented nationwide.
His words: “Babcock University holds a special place in this history as the first private institution in Nigeria to join the programme, reflecting its unwavering commitment to professionalism across all fields of study. “Notably, the university has excelled in preparing its students for careers as chartered bankers even before graduation, ensuring they are professionally and academically equipped for the challenges of the banking and finance industry.”
Olanrewaju disclosed that the collaboration between BU and CIBN serves as a testament to the shared vision of fostering excellence and building a brighter future for the industry.
He said the legacy project being endowed to BU by CIBN is a fully furnished 160-seater lecture theatre, adding, “this structure, to be officially named “The CIBN Bankers Hall”, will serve as a hub for the training and growth of aspiring bankers.”
The CIBN president added that the legacy project signifies the institute commitment to enhancing banking and finance education in Nigeria and reflects its steadfast backing for the overall economic progress of the nation.
“This project signifies a collaborative effort between academia and the industry, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application otherwise known as Town and Gown.
“The CIBN Bankers Hall will not only serve as a physical edifice but also as a centre for learning, innovation, and excellence for both students and faculty,” Olanrewaju stated.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo, expressed his gratitude for the CIBN’s donation and highlighted the long-standing and robust relationship between the two institutions.
Tayo noted: “The partnership has promoted financial literacy, shaped the future of professionals, and enhanced the university’s infrastructure.”
The VC said the Bankers Hall would serve as a hub for research, learning, and skills development.
In his remarks, President, Department of Finance, Nobi, expressed appreciation to CIBN for the donation of the CIBN Bankers Hall, a legacy project endowed to BU, noting that it is “a gesture that exemplifies your commitment to advancing education and professionalism in banking and finance.”
He said the building is a testament to CIBN belief in the transformative power of education and that it represents opportunities for students to learn, innovate, and develop the skills necessary to meet the demands of the financial world.
“Your support demonstrates a forward-thinking vision of empowering future leaders who will shape the financial sector, not just in Nigeria, but globally. By investing in us, you have demonstrated faith in our abilities and in the quality of education offered by this department,’’ Nobi added.
The Olofin of Ilisan Remo, Oba M.O.M. Sonuga, also appreciated the institute for donating the legacy project to BU, which she described as a World-class university.