The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing world-class leaders with the successful graduation of 1,138 participants from its Graduate Management Accelerated Program (GMAP), marking the completion of rigorous training for Cohorts 13 to 16.
The graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Landmark Center, brought together UBA’s Group Chairman, Board of Directors, executive team, faculty members, mentors, and proud families to celebrate the achievements of the newest GMAP alumni.
In his opening remarks, the speaker expressed immense pride in the graduates, highlighting that their journey through GMAP was not just about academic excellence but also about personal and professional transformation. “This moment marks the beginning of a transformational journey that will shape your careers, the future of UBA, and your contributions to society and Africa at large,” he stated.
Since its inception, GMAP has trained and graduated 3,222 professionals across 16 cohorts, producing dynamic individuals who have progressed into key roles within UBA, including Sales, Credit Analysis, Group Finance, and Treasury. The program is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills, mindset, and expertise to thrive in the evolving financial landscape and drive Africa’s economic growth.
A significant highlight of this year’s graduation was the emphasis on gender diversity, with 58% of the graduates—666 outstanding women—reflecting UBA’s strong commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities.
Acknowledging the sacrifices and support of families and mentors, graduates were encouraged to show appreciation through standing ovations for their loved ones and faculty members who played pivotal roles in their success.
The ceremony also celebrated past GMAP alumni who have made remarkable career strides within the bank. Notable mentions included Nneoma Chikere, a Profit Centre Manager recognized for exceptional customer service, and Gbolahan Adeyemi, a Corporate Banking Relationship Officer who surpassed his performance targets by over 561%. Their successes serve as inspiration for the newest graduates as they step into their careers.
The graduates were reminded to uphold UBA’s core values—Excellence, Enterprise, and Execution—while embracing innovation, lifelong learning, and leadership responsibilities. The speaker reiterated UBA’s commitment to providing structured career growth, leadership exposure, and performance-based recognition to empower its workforce.
Closing the address with a powerful quote from Nelson Mandela, the speaker urged the graduates to dream big and execute fearlessly, emphasizing that their impact would extend beyond the bank into shaping the future of Africa’s financial sector.
The event concluded with an atmosphere of excitement, as the graduates took their first step into leadership roles within UBA, ready to contribute to the bank’s continued success and transformation.