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Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) has reinforced its commitment to reducing youth unemployment with the recruitment of over 700 young professionals under its Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP).
The latest intake, which comprises 720 trainees, highlights UBA’s continued investment in developing young African talent for the financial services industry. The bank disclosed that since inception, GMAP has trained and empowered more than 5,000 graduates across the continent, equipping them with world-class skills, practical experience, and career growth opportunities.
The graduation and induction ceremony for the new hires was held in Lagos on Thursday, bringing together UBA’s top executives, faculty members, mentors, and the graduating cohorts. The event marked the completion of an intensive training programme designed to prepare participants for leadership roles within the bank.
Speaking at the event, UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, emphasised the importance of ambition, discipline, and institutional pride. He described the gathering as a clear demonstration that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youth.
According to him, “The future of Africa belongs to our youth, and as I see all of you, I see that in action. Welcome to UBA Group. Congratulations on being part of our family.”
Elumelu also urged the graduates to take responsibility for their performance and uphold the standards that define great institutions. He noted that building a sustainable organisation requires deliberate efforts in selecting, training, and nurturing the right talent.
He said that aligning employees with the bank’s long-term vision is critical to ensuring continuity and achieving institutional longevity, stressing the need to build systems that endure beyond individuals.
Also speaking, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO), Oliver Alawuba, encouraged the new employees to remain focused on personal growth and continuous development.
Alawuba shared his career journey from an entry-level role to becoming Group CEO, noting that success within the organisation is not limited to a select few but is open to individuals willing to put in the required effort.
He said, “Our young Africans are equipped to drive Africa into excellence. Your current role is not your final destination. If we could rise, you can rise too.”
The GMD/CEO further anchored his message on UBA’s core values, known as the 3Es — Excellence, Enterprise, and Execution — as well as the SRG principles of Simplicity, Responsiveness, and Goal-orientation. He urged the new hires to reflect these values in their daily activities and interactions.
Findings from the cohort show a strong representation of women, with 435 female trainees accounting for over 60 per cent of the intake. This development underscores UBA’s commitment to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment within its workforce.
The induction of Cohorts 19 and 20 into the bank’s system reflects UBA’s long-term strategy of building a pipeline of skilled professionals capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth across its operations.
UBA remains one of the largest employers in Africa’s financial sector, with over 25,000 employees and a customer base exceeding 45 million globally. The bank operates in 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates.
Through initiatives like GMAP, UBA continues to strengthen its role in youth development, positioning itself as a key contributor to reducing unemployment while unlocking the potential of Africa’s growing young population.
