United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Africa’s Global Bank, has continued to make significant impacts in developing the next generation of banking and finance professionals across Africa through its Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP). Since its inception three years ago, the GMAP has produced over 3,222 young professionals, providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, mentorship, training, and hands-on experience for leadership roles in UBA.

On Wednesday, a ceremony was held at the Landmark Event Centre to induct another cohort of 1,138 successful graduates who were absorbed by the bank following intensive training. The event was graced by the UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, and other Board Members, Executive Management, faculty members, mentors, families, and friends of the graduates.

Elumelu expressed his excitement over the new graduates, highlighting the bank’s passion for youth empowerment in Africa while bridging the unemployment gap. “At UBA, we believe that Africa’s transformation is in the hands of young, dynamic, and ambitious professionals such as you. Through GMAP, we are not only shaping future leaders but also reinforcing our commitment to excellence and impact,” he said.

He advised the graduands, “Remember that success is built on hard work, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning. The world is waiting for you to make your mark.”

Speaking earlier at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, expressed immense pride in the graduands and reiterated the bank’s unwavering 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,” Alawuba stated.

He pointed out UBA’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion, highlighting that of the fresh 1,138 graduands, 666 (representing 58%) are women, a reflection of the bank’s dedication to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace.

Alawuba charged the graduands to uphold UBA’s core values of Excellence, Enterprise, and Execution, while embracing the bank’s Persona of Simplicity, Responsiveness, and Goal-oriented (SRG).

The ceremony featured inspiring testimonies from GMAP alumni who have made significant strides within the bank.