By GRACE ALEGBA

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Babcock University and two financial services stakeholders to deepen financial inclusion in the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the hybrid signing ceremony convened in Lagos, was between CIBN, Babcock University, FIC Professional Network Plc. and Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Ltd.

CIBN formalised two collaborative frameworks: the Collaboration Agreement with Babcock University and also expanding its Agreement with FIC Professional Network Plc. to include now Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Ltd.

Speaking at the session, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, said the MoU seeks to advance the frontiers of banking education, professional standards, and financial inclusion in Nigeria.

Olarenwaju recalled a previous agreements with the university to deliver the ACIB/Degree linkage programme, and a jointly executed Integrated ACIB/ Degree Linkage.

?Today, we are formalising the collaboration with Babcock Business School (BBS) to deliver one programme, two qualifications specifically for candidates with any of the following requirements: a full SMP, MBA, Executive MBA, M.Sc. or Ph.D,? he said.

He explained details of the various certification programmes for banking professionals, developed to build foundational and strategic competence in the banking sector in line with global standards.

He also explained the expansion of the institute?s Agency Banking Certification Programme through a tripartite collaboration between CIBN, FIC and SANEF Ltd.

?This partnership is timely and strategic, as we aim to broaden the reach of the certification across Nigeria?s agent banking sector.

?With SANEF?s deep integration in the financial inclusion ecosystem and established relationships with leading super agents, we are confident that this collaboration will strengthen the quality and visibility of the programme.

?The goal is clear: to enhance professionalism among agent bankers, support the national financial inclusion strategy, and contribute to building trust and integrity within this growing segment of the financial services sector,? he said.

Olarenwaju further explained that CIBN had previously executed an Agreement with the FIC Professionals Network PLC for Agency Banking Certification but the addendum agreement will bring in SANEF.

He thanked the partners while expressing hope for evolution of better financial ecosystem in Nigeria deepening financial inclusion through the partnerships and collaborations.

He said the development aligned with his administration?s LEGACY agenda which highlights the multifaceted role of financial institutions in shaping Nigeria?s economic future.

NAN reports that the execution of agreement was supervised by the CIBN Registrar, Mr. Akin Morakinyo, starting with the Babcock Business School followed by the SANEF and FIC Professionals Network Plc.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo, who led his university team, thanked CIBN ?for the job well done?.

He thanked Olarenwaju who is the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Babcock University, for completing the Bankers Hall Project at the institution for training of aspiring bankers.

He said the CIBN president who is a professor of Banking Law is driving innovation with integrity and passion to bridge the gap between the industry and academia.

?Today?s MOU signing is very significant, its tripod, and a tripod cannot fall.

?Today we have signed an enhanced pathway programme. The 1.2 programme qualifications so as to help the world and our nation to be better prepared to face the world and to be able to transform our dear nation,? he said.

Also, Managing Director/CEO of SANEF, Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, explained how CIBN helped her organisations to become a global force in the financial ecosystem.

She said there were over 200 million agent bankers across the nation supporting traditional banks and financial institutions, adding that the collaboration will entrench efficiency, professionalism and healthy financial ecosystem.

The Managing Director, FIC Professionals Network Ltd, Mrs. Rafiat Onitiri, commended the rebirth of agency banking in Nigeria, adding that, ?the MoU is a partnership that works?.

She explained the role of her organisation as the special purpose vehicle for driving the agent banking in collaboration with the other stakeholders for financial inclusion. (NAN)

? PHOTO: Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, CIBN?s President/Chairman of Council (middle) flanked by other stakeholders during the Signing of MOU by CIBN and Babcock Business School, SANEF and FIC at the Bankers House in Lagos

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