The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has reiterated its resolve to strengthen banking and finance education in the country through the injection of professionalism into the teaching and learning of the course.
It stated this at the unveiling of the CIBN Bankers Hall at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. The exquisite ultramodern edifice is a legacy project bestowed to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye by the institute.
The state-of-the-art edifice is one of the seven model projects across the six geo-political zones endowed to various institutions by CIBN. Olabisi Onabanjo University was chosen based on its pioneering role as the first tertiary institution in the CIBN linkage programme.
The smart edifice, which serves as a lecture theatre, demonstration class and multipurpose centre was commissioned by the President/Chairman of the Council of CIBN, Dr Ken Opara, and the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru.
While performing the commissioning ceremony, the pro-chancellor expressed his profound appreciation for the thoughtful gesture of the CIBN and their extraordinary act of philanthropy and corporate responsibility.
“This noble gesture identifies with the spirit of collaboration between academia and the corporate world. By working together Academia and Industry can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application”.
Opara congratulated the university for being the first tertiary institution in the CIBN linkage institution, an accomplishment, which amongst others affords the institution the rare privilege of being one of the beneficiaries of the institute’s legacy project.
He said: “It gladdens my heart to note that the linkage collaboration which was consummated between our institute and Olabisi Onabanjo University on May 4, 1998, is waxing stronger and this building that is being commissioned today, is endowed to this institution in recognition of its pioneering role as the first institution in Nigeria to embrace what has now become a global phenomenon.”
