CIBN commences construction of Bankers Hall at Rivers State University
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria has reiterated its resolve to strengthen the banking and finance education in the country through the infusion of professional elements into the teaching and learning of the course for the enhancement of the profession.
As part of the moves towards achieving the goal, the CIBN has begun the construction of a fully equipped 160-seater lecture theater to be called ‘The CIBN Bankers Hall,’ which would come with ultra-modern gadgets, at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of ‘The CIBN Bankers Hall’ a legacy project bequeathed to Rivers State University on Monday, Dr. Olugbemi said that the project will be ready for commission before ending of his tenure as the President/Chairman of Council of the Institute on May 2022.
“In order to bolster the performances of the Banking and Finance graduates in the country, the Institute embarked on a linkage programme, which commenced at this Rivers State University on May 23, 2017, with 75 tertiary institutions currently drafted into the scheme.
“It was in a bid to unlock the potentials of the teeming young men and women in our tertiary institutions that The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria introduced a novel scheme called the Linkage Programme in collaboration with tertiary institutions in Nigeria in the year 1998.
“The Linkage Programme which has continued to change the narrative of banking education in Nigeria was designed to deepen banking and finance education by infusing professional element into the teaching-learning process, with a view to addressing the gap between the industry and the academia in terms of quality of graduates produced from our higher institutions,” he said.
The CIBN President stated that “to further deepen this collaboration, the Governing Council of our great Institute resolved to institute legacy projects in six institutions across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. It might interest you to know that the selection of Rivers State University as one of the beneficiaries of the legacy projects was purely on merit. The University emerged as the best Linkage School in the South-South region after a rigorous and painstaking evidence-based appraisal exercise.
“The legacy project which The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria is bequeathing to Rivers State University, is a One Hundred and Sixty (160) seater lecture theater that will be fully furnished and equipped with ultra-modern gadgets. The edifice which will be known and called “THE CIBN BANKERS HALL” will serve as the melting pot for the training and development of future-ready bankers. This project is indeed our modest contribution towards the promotion of banking and finance education in the country.”
He said that, “It is our desire that any student from your institution who has gone through the linkage programme and has passed the Banking Professional Examinations conducted by The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, will be a competent material fit for the industry, be it public or private.”
Dr. Olugbemi informed the audience that several other novel initiatives in order to upscale competencies in the banking industry, some of which include: The implementation of the Competency Framework in the Nigerian Banking Industry in conjunction with the Central Bank of Nigeria. This has helped to chart a clear pathway towards developing higher levels of proficiency and specialisation within the banking industry.
The Institute also recently launched a new syllabus for the training of professional bankers, the new syllabus was fortified and enriched with contents that are contemporary and addresses emerging issues in the world of banking and finance. The syllabus was adjudged by stakeholders within and outside the country as robust, revolutionary, rich in content, fit for purpose and in line with global standards.
He also appreciated those who have contributed to ensure that the collaboration between The Institute (CIBN) and Rivers State University is one that works, such as Pro. Chancellor, Rivers State University, Hon. Justice Iche N. Ndu, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Valentine Benjamin Omubo-Pepple, the Registrar of the University, Dr. Sydney C. Enyindah, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Gladson N. Nwokah, and of course, HOD of the Banking and Finance Department, Dr. H. W. Akani.
He thanked Prof Adolphus Toby, Professor of Banking and Corporate Finance, Professor J. C. Imegi and Prof. D. W. Dagogo, both of the Department of Banking and finance as well as Dr. Joseph Omyema, Associate Professor, Department of Economics. You have all contributed in no small measure, not only to the success of our partnership but to the high standards of education recognised beyond the shores of our country.
He specially appreciated the Office Holders, members of the Governing Council, our highly revered Past Presidents, the Executive Management ably led by Dr. ‘Seye Awojobi, FCIB, Registrar/CEO, CIBN, the River State branch of CIBN under the leadership of Mr Nwachukwu Njoku, ACIB and indeed all the stakeholders of the Institute for your unwavering support and commitment which has culminated in the achievements being celebrating today.
