The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), on Tuesday inaugurated a smart hub, named ‘CIBN Bankers Hall’, at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, to train and produce chartered bankers.
Dr Ken Opara, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, while opening the 160-seater hub, said the gesture was part of the institute’s commitment to advancing the course of the banking and finance industry in Nigeria.
Opara said the hub was a smart resource centre, fully furnished and equipped with ultra-modern and digital facilities for the training and development of future-ready bankers.
He said the hub would expose students and the entire academic community to contemporary and emerging issues in the world of banking and finance.
“This edifice that is being inaugurated today will be known and called ‘CIBN Bankers Hall’. It is a hub for learning and production of chartered bankers from this great citadel of learning.
“We believe that education is the cornerstone upon which societal progress is built, and the establishment of this hub is an eloquent testimony of our commitment to this ideal.
“By endowing this hall, we are taking a significant step toward equipping aspiring banking and finance professionals with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to excel in their careers.
“We aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice, academia and industry, thereby providing a world-class learning environment where students can gain practical exposure and hands-on experience,” he said.
While appealing to the school management to prioritise the maintenance of the hub, Opara urged the students to use the hub judiciously to excel academically and in their chosen careers.
Also speaking, Prof. Charles Esimone, Vice-Chancellor of NAU, appreciated CIBN for the investment and provision of the needed environment and support to equip students and prepare them for the future.
“This project was commissioned in April and today we are inaugurating it. This is the fastest project to be delivered in the history of the university and we are grateful for the corporate social responsibility extended to us.
“I want to tell CIBN that You will never regret making this investment in the university.
“NAU has moved from number 36 to number four in the national ranking, therefore, it has become a destination for any support and investment. I urge other organisations to emulate CIBN,” he said.
In his remarks, Prof. Pius Okoye, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, NAU, assured that the hub would be guarded jealously and would be put to optimal use.
