UBA Empowers Over 3,200 Banking And Finance Professionals Through Graduate Management Acceleration Programme

UBA Empowers Over 3,200 Banking and Finance Professionals Through Graduate Management Acceleration Programme

United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), Africa’s Global Bank, has successfully trained and inducted 3,222 banking and finance professionals across the continent through its Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP). The initiative, launched three years ago, is designed to equip young graduates with the mentorship, training, and hands-on experience necessary for leadership roles within the bank.

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, UBA held a graduation ceremony in Lagos to induct a new cohort of 1,138 successful trainees. These graduates underwent months of rigorous training, testing their dedication and resilience, and have now been absorbed into the bank. The event was attended by UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Oliver Alawuba, board members, executive management, faculty members, mentors, and families of the graduates.

UBA’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development

In his keynote address, Tony Elumelu emphasized UBA’s dedication to youth empowerment and addressing Africa’s unemployment challenges. He stated, “At UBA, we believe that Africa’s transformation lies in the hands of young, dynamic, and ambitious professionals like you. Through GMAP, we are not only shaping future leaders but also reinforcing our commitment to excellence and impact.”

Elumelu encouraged the graduates to embrace hard work, resilience, and continuous learning, adding, “The world is waiting for you to make your mark.”

Oliver Alawuba, UBA’s Group Managing Director, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in the graduates and reaffirming the bank’s commitment to human capital development. “This moment marks the beginning of a transformational journey that will shape your careers, your contributions to society, and Africa at large. GMAP is a testament to our vision of empowering the brightest minds with the skills, knowledge, and mindset required to navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape,” he said.

Promoting Gender Diversity and Inclusion

Alawuba also highlighted UBA’s focus on gender diversity and inclusion, noting that 58% of the newly inducted graduates (666 out of 1,138) are women. This reflects the bank’s dedication to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace. He urged the graduates to uphold UBA’s core values of excellence, enterprise, and execution while embracing the bank’s culture of simplicity, responsiveness, and goal orientation.

Inspiring Testimonies from GMAP Alumni

The ceremony featured inspiring testimonies from GMAP alumni who have made significant strides within the bank, showcasing the programme’s impact on their professional growth and career trajectories. These stories underscored the transformative power of UBA’s investment in young talent.

UBA’s Global Footprint and Impact

As one of Africa’s largest employers in the financial sector, UBA boasts a workforce of 25,000 employees and serves over 45 million customers globally. The bank operates in 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. Through initiatives like GMAP, UBA continues to strengthen its position as a leader in human capital development and youth empowerment across the continent.

About United Bank for Africa Plc:
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading pan-African financial institution offering banking services to more than 45 million customers across 24 countries. With a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable development, UBA continues to drive economic growth and transformation across Africa and beyond.