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By Chukwuma Umeorah
IN a move aimed at deepening its footprint across Africa, about 700 fresh professionals have joined the workforce of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc.
The absorbtion follows their completion of the bank’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), reinforcing the bank’s long-term commitment to developing young talents who will strengthen Africa’s banking and economic ecosystem.
Addressing the graduates at the ceremony held in Lagos at the weekend, UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, described them as “lions and lionesses” reaffirming the bank’s commitment to raising the next generation of passionate and capable leaders on the continent. “We are happy to have you as part of this tribe. At UBA, we strongly believe in the transformative power of young people, and that is why we designed this programme that allows us to transfer the baton of knowledge and experience onto others,” he said.
“A few decades ago, I started out just like you fresh out of the university, and I am glad that this organisation is providing you that same opportunity that I got, and I look forward to seeing you guys prove your worth.”
He further linked the graduates’ journey to the bank’s broader mission, emphasising that UBA’s role goes beyond profit generation to promoting social relevance and economic prosperity across Africa.
Elumelu encouraged the new cohort, now part of UBA’s over 25,000-strong workforce, to “take ownership of your careers and contribute to advancing the bank’s mission of driving innovation, improving customer experience, and promoting sustainability.”
Deputy Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke, who represented the Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, commended the graduates for their perseverance and discipline throughout the rigorous training. According to him, “This ceremony is a celebration of potential, perseverance and purpose. You all are not just graduates; you are our next generation of innovators, leaders, and ambassadors of an enduring legacy. This program reflects our belief that Africa’s future will be shaped not by chance, but by capable and courageous leaders like you.”
The GMAP, which runs for six months, blends classroom learning, digital simulations, field assignments, and mentorship from senior executives to equip participants with practical experience and leadership competence. Since its inception over three years ago, the programme has produced more than 4,000 banking professionals across UBA’s operations in Africa.
The graduation ceremony drew participants from Nigeria and several other African countries where the bank operates. The event was attended by members of the UBA Board, Executive Management, and faculty members who joined in welcoming the new professionals into the UBA tribe.
UBA remains one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, with operations in 20 African countries and global financial centres including the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. It continues to invest in human capital development as part of its strategy to enhance service delivery, and support Africa’s long-term economic growth.
