Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), has successfully graduated 1,138 young Africans from its prestigious Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development across the continent.
The graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Landmark Center, Lagos, brought together UBA’s Group Chairman, Board of Directors, esteemed guests, members of UBA’s executive management, faculty members, mentors, proud families to celebrate the achievements of the newest GMAP alumni. The event marked a significant milestone in the careers of the graduates, who have undergone an intensive six-month hands-on work and learning experience.
This year’s graduation, the third edition of the expanded GMAP programme, saw 1,138 young Africans inducted into the UBA Tribe. The graduands hailed from six African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, demonstrating UBA’s commitment to fostering pan-African talent.
In an interactive session, UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, congratulated the graduates and expressed his profound pride in their achievements. He emphasized the importance of empowering young African talents to bridge the unemployment gap, which he described as one of the continent’s greatest challenges.
“For me, these young UBA graduates are a testament to who we are: a truly pan-African group that invests in African talent. This milestone is more than just numbers. It signifies UBA’s commitment to youth empowerment. Unemployment is the greatest challenge we face—a tragic and cruel betrayal of a generation. We know governments alone cannot create all the jobs we need, so it is up to us, the African private sector, to partner with our government in improving lives and livelihoods,” Elumelu stated.
He reiterated UBA’s dedication to creating employment, boosting economic growth, and transforming lives through the GMAP initiative. “At UBA, identifying these young ones, training them, and equipping them for the future remains our passion. This is how we play our role as a pan-African bank—helping to empower the next generation,” he added.
UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, commended the graduates for their resilience and commitment to excellence throughout the programme. He emphasized GMAP’s role in preparing future leaders for the bank.
“Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment have been nothing short of inspiring. Each of you has demonstrated the qualities of a true UBA ambassador. Today, we celebrate not just your achievements but also the collective strength of our UBA family,” Alawuba said.
He also acknowledged the crucial role of the graduates’ families and friends, expressing appreciation for their steadfast support. “Let us take a moment to recognize and appreciate the invaluable encouragement provided by your families and friends throughout this journey,” he noted.
Since its inception, GMAP has successfully trained and graduated 3,222 young professionals across its 16 cohorts, positioning them in critical roles within UBA’s operations. Many alumni of the programme have excelled in key departments such as Sales, Credit Analysis, Group Finance, and Treasury, driving the bank’s strategic growth.
Highlighting UBA’s investment in talent development, the Group Head of Human Resources, Modupe Akindele, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to nurturing leadership within its workforce.
“Already, the programme has graduated over 1,100 individuals—about 700 in 2023, and now we have 1,138 graduates. At UBA, we believe in equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, tribe, gender, or background. We will continue to nurture young professionals and help them reach their full potential,” Akindele said.
She also emphasized UBA’s dedication to gender diversity, noting that 58% of the 2024 graduating class were women, a reflection of the bank’s commitment to inclusivity.
Addressing the graduates, UBA’s leadership encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning and innovation. The graduates were urged to uphold the bank’s core values—Excellence, Enterprise, and Execution (the 3 Es)—and embody the UBA Persona of Simplicity, Responsiveness, and Goal-oriented (SRG).
Elumelu pointed out that past GMAP graduates have risen to influential positions within the bank. He cited examples such as Nneoma Chikere, a Profit Centre Manager who has received multiple commendations for excellence in customer experience, and Gbolahan Adeyemi, a Corporate Banking Relationship Officer who has exceeded his year-to-date budget by over 561%.
“These individuals serve as a testament to the immense potential within each of you. Your journey is just beginning, and the opportunities ahead are boundless,” Elumelu said.
He concluded with an inspiring quote from Nelson Mandela:
“There is no passion to be found in playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
With their training, mentorship, and real-world exposure, the new GMAP graduates are now set to make an impact across Africa’s banking sector. As UBA welcomes them into its workforce, the bank reaffirms its role in shaping the future of financial services and economic growth on the continent.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution serving over 25 million customers across 20 African countries and four continents. With offices in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA continues to drive financial inclusion, innovative banking solutions, and cross-border trade across Africa and beyond.
The future is bright for these young graduates as they embark on their journey with UBA, ready to contribute to the bank’s legacy of excellence and transformation.