UBA Strengthens Youth Empowerment Drive, Employs Over 700 Graduates Across Africa
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
United Bank for Africa has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and employment generation across the continent with the successful engagement of over 700 young professionals under its flagship Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP).
The initiative, which has produced more than 5,000 alumni since inception, continues to serve as a strategic pipeline for developing Africa’s next generation of banking and business leaders.
At a graduation and induction ceremony held at the Landmark Events Centre in Lagos, the bank formally welcomed new intakes from Cohorts 19 and 20 into its workforce, marking another milestone in its talent development agenda. The event attracted senior executives, faculty members, mentors, and industry stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, underscored the critical role of youth in shaping Africa’s future, describing the graduating class as a reflection of the continent’s immense potential.
“The future of Africa belongs to our youth, and what we see here today is that future in action,” he said, urging the graduates to embrace ambition, discipline, and institutional pride.
Elumelu emphasised the importance of building enduring institutions through deliberate talent selection, continuous training, and strong alignment with organisational vision.
Also addressing the graduates, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, shared insights from his professional journey, encouraging the young employees to remain committed to growth and excellence.
“Your current role is not your final destination. Success is not reserved for a select few, but for those willing to grow and put in the work,” he stated.
He further reiterated the bank’s core values, highlighting the 3Es—Excellence, Enterprise, and Execution—as well as the SRG principles of Simplicity, Responsiveness, and Goal-orientation, as essential guides for professional success.
The newly inducted cohort of 720 trainees includes 435 women, representing over 60 per cent of the intake—an indication of UBA’s sustained commitment to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment.
With a workforce of over 25,000 employees serving more than 45 million customers globally, UBA operates in 20 African countries, alongside the United Kingdom, United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. The bank continues to position itself as a leading force in financial inclusion, innovation, and human capital development across Africa.
