UBA Builds Next-Gen Talent Force

By Deborah Oladapo

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has advanced over 700 young professionals into its workforce under the Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP) — a flagship leadership initiative aimed at grooming the next generation of African leaders.

The graduation ceremony, held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Landmark Events Centre, Lagos, brought together top executives of the bank, including Group Chairman Tony Elumelu, Deputy Group Managing Director Chukwuma Nweke, and several board members and faculty leaders, to celebrate the new inductees drawn from Nigeria and other African countries where UBA operates.

Since its inception three years ago, GMAP has produced over 4,000 professionals across banking and finance, providing participants with intensive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience to prepare them for leadership within UBA and across Africa’s financial sector.

In his address, UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu congratulated the graduands — whom he fondly referred to as “lions and lionesses” — and reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to youth empowerment and talent development.

“We are happy to have you as part of this tribe,” Elumelu said. “At UBA, we strongly believe in the transformative power of young people, and that is why we designed this programme to transfer knowledge and experience to a new generation. A few decades ago, I started just like you, fresh out of university. I look forward to seeing you prove your worth and continue our legacy of excellence.”

Elumelu also emphasized that UBA’s mission goes beyond profit-making, noting that the bank remains committed to catalysing economic prosperity across Africa through investment in people and innovation.

Representing Group Managing Director Oliver Alawuba, Deputy GMD Chukwuma Nweke described the ceremony as a “celebration of potential, perseverance, and purpose,” underscoring the bank’s belief that Africa’s future depends on capable, courageous leaders.

“You are not just graduates; you are the next generation of innovators, leaders, and ambassadors of our enduring legacy,” Nweke said. “This programme reflects our conviction that Africa’s future will be shaped not by chance, but by leaders like you.”

He explained that the six-month GMAP combines classroom learning, digital simulations, field assignments, and mentorship from senior executives — a structure designed to build well-rounded professionals ready to drive transformation in technology, customer experience, and sustainability.

The newly graduated professionals will now join UBA’s workforce of over 25,000 employees, contributing to the bank’s operations across 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates.

As one of the continent’s largest financial institutions serving over 45 million customers globally, UBA continues to lead in financial inclusion and technology-driven banking — positioning itself as a key player in shaping Africa’s economic future.