United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to shaping the next generation of banking professionals across Africa through its Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP), which has now produced over 3,222 young professionals since its inception three years ago.
On Wednesday, the bank held a graduation ceremony at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, to induct 1,138 new graduates who successfully completed the rigorous training program. The event was attended by UBA Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu; Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba; CEO, UBA Africa, Abiola Bawuah, and other members of the bank’s board and executive management.
Speaking at the ceremony, Elumelu emphasized UBA’s commitment to youth empowerment, describing the GMAP as a key initiative in bridging the unemployment gap in Africa.
“At UBA, we believe Africa’s transformation rests in the hands of young, dynamic, and ambitious professionals like you. Through GMAP, we are not just shaping future leaders; we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence and impact. Success is built on hard work, resilience, and continuous learning—now is your time to make a difference,” Elumelu said.
Alawuba, the Group CEO, also underscored the bank’s focus on human capital development, stating that the program equips young professionals with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to excel in the evolving financial sector.
“This moment marks the beginning of a transformational journey that will shape your careers and your contributions to Africa’s economic development. GMAP reflects our vision of empowering the brightest minds with the tools to lead in a competitive world,” Alawuba noted.
He also highlighted UBA’s strong commitment to gender diversity, revealing that 666 of the 1,138 new graduates (58%) are women, reinforcing the bank’s drive for inclusivity in leadership.
The ceremony featured testimonials from GMAP alumni who have risen through the ranks within UBA, further showcasing the program’s impact.
UBA, one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, employs 25,000 people across 20 African countries, as well as in the UK, the US, France, and the UAE. The bank serves over 45 million customers globally, leading financial inclusion and leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance banking services across its markets.
