CIBN Inducts 923 Chartered Bankers, 319 Microfinance Professionals
THE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on Saturday inducted 1,242 new members into its ranks of Chartered Bankers and Microfinance Certified Professionals at the 2025 Stream II induction ceremony in Lagos.
The event, which has its theme as “The Smart Banker’s Compass: Innovate, Adapt, and Solve Like a Pro”, was described as a celebration of excellence, perseverance, and professional growth in Nigeria’s banking sector.
Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President and Chairman of Council of CIBN, in his welcome address, said the inductees had demonstrated discipline, commitment, and resilience in meeting the rigorous standards of the profession.
Providing a breakdown, he disclosed that seven candidates were admitted through the Chartered Banker/MBA route, 816 through the regular route, 22 through the MSc/Chartered Banker route, and 78 via the SMP/AMP/Chartered Banker route.
Olanrewaju noted that the record number reflected the industry’s growing emphasis on professionalism, ethical standards, and lifelong learning.
He stressed that the chosen theme was timely, given the global shifts in banking.
“True innovation extends far beyond digital tools. It is a transformative mindset that must permeate everything, from product design and process optimisation to how we build and sustain stakeholder trust,” he said.
The CIBN president urged the new members to be exemplary professionals who will drive the future of banking and finance in Nigeria and beyond.
Guest speaker at the ceremony, Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Managing Director of CreditRegistry, charged the inductees to embody the qualities of a “smart banker.”
According to her, smart bankers are those who see beyond the numbers and serve not just their institutions, but also their customers, communities, and the wider economy.
She emphasised the need for adaptability, resilience, and inclusivity, reminding the new professionals of President Bola Tinubu’s on trillion-dollar economy target.
“You, as finance leaders, should make this vision a reality by innovating, adapting, and solving challenges with courage,” she said.
CIBN Registrar and Chief Executive, Mr. Akin Morakinyo, highlighted that 1,270 professionals had been inducted earlier in the year, bringing the total for 2025 to 2,512, the highest annual figure in the institute’s history.
This, he said, surpassed the 1,222 inducted in 2024.
The ceremony also recognised excellence, with 12 inductees receiving awards for outstanding performance.
Among the awardees were Ezekiel Ojo, best student in banking law and regulation; Grace Peter, best in ethics, corporate governance and professionalism; and Abdulazeez Babatunde, best in lending and credit management.
Others included Semiu Asifat, best in evolution management and regulation of microfinance; Esther Awe, best graduating student in the microfinance certification programme; and Uchechukwu Ukelere and Adeniyi Abiodun, best in applied banking.
Report stated that the induction underscores the institute’s commitment to strengthening professional standards and preparing a new generation of bankers for Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.
(NAN)
