CEM REPORT, EDUCATION | The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has donated a 160-capacity lecture theatre to the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) as its contribution to the training and development of manpower for the banking industry.
The project is a landmark extension of the Institute’s strategic actions which has set its development on a fast lane, galvanizing capacities towards building a robust, resilient and professionalized banking and finance industry in Nigeria
Speaking at the virtual groundbreaking ceremony in Ago-Iwoye on Friday, Dr Ken Opara, the President and Chairman of Council of CIBN, said the CIBN had resolved to establish a learning legacy project in all linked institutions across the country for effective collaboration as the institute’s modest contribution to the development of banking and finance education in the country and support for the economy.
According to Opara, the linkage programme was designed to deepen banking and finance education by infusing professional elements into the teaching-learning process.
He said the programme was also to address the gap between the industry and the academia in terms of quality of graduates produced from higher institutions.
”This groundbreaking ceremony is symbolic as it marks our endorsement and acknowledgement of your contribution to educational development and the economy in the past 40 years.
”It is our considered opinion that any student from your institution who has gone through the linkage programme and passed the banking professional examinations conducted by CIBN, will be competent, fit for the industry.
”I must also mention that in recognition of the changing business landscape in the banking industry, the institute developed and launched its new syllabus for banking professional examinations in 2021.
”The new syllabus has been fortified with contents that are contemporary and addresses emerging issues in the world of banking and finance,” he said.
According to Opara, education remains the bedrock of any meaningful development. He therefore called on all stakeholders both the government and the Organized Private Sector (OPS) to join forces to reposition the educational system in the country.
The building which would be known as ‘The CIBN Bankers Hall’ is sure to provide comfort for the students and aid their learning.
The Vice-Chancellor of OOU, Prof Ayodeji Agboola, commended the CIBN for the project. He assured the institute that the theatre would be put to good use to achieve its objective.
