By Taiye Olayemi
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has partnered with James Hope University and LIMBSimple Company Ltd. to promote inclusive growth through enterprise development within the banking and finance ecosystem.
The partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday at the Bankers House in Lagos.
CIBN’s President, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, said the partnership was aimed at boosting academic excellence, professional growth, and entrepreneurial development in the banking and finance sector.
He said the agreement would establish the CIBN’s MSc. Finance and Chartered Banker (ACIB) linkage programme, allowing students to earn dual qualifications: an MSc. in ACIB professional certification.
According to him, the programme is a Nigerian adaptation of the renowned Chartered Banker MBA (CBMBA) programme, jointly delivered by Bangor Business School and the Chartered Banker Institute, Scotland before now.
He said the partnership with LIMBsimple Company Ltd. would also empower professionals, entrepreneurs, and retired bankers with structured entrepreneurial training.
“It will also provide SME clinic, improved access to funding, global learning platforms, and robust mentorship support.
“We are indeed delighted to formalise our collaboration through the MSc. Finance and Chartered Banker (ACIB) Linkage Programme.
“This is a bold and forward-thinking initiative designed to offer students and practitioners the unique opportunities of graduating with dual qualifications: an MSc. ACIB professional certification.
“The concept of extending the linkage programme to postgraduate studies was initiated in 2015.
“With today’s signing, James Hope University becomes the 13th institution to join the elite league of universities in Nigeria, participating in the M.Sc, MBF and MBA ACIB linkage programme,” he said.
Olanrewaju noted that the initiative aligned with the “Y” pillar of the LEGACY Agenda, focusing on youth and entrepreneurial engagement
“The two agreements we are executing today reflect our broader institutional strategy to build a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative financial system.
“This is a vision deeply rooted in my LEGACY Agenda as the 23rd President and Chairman of Council of the Institute.
“Let us therefore move forward, hand in hand, to build a future where academic excellence, professional certification, and entrepreneurial resilience are accessible to all,” he said.
Also, Prof. Abiola Babajide, Ag. Vice Chancellor, James Hope University, appreciated the CIBN for the collaborative opportunity to advance the vision of the university.
Babajide said, “James Hope University Business School was established as a forward-thinking postgraduate institution, designed to bridge the critical skill gaps and address the growing capacity challenges in business, management, and the social sciences.
“We recognise the urgent need for a new generation of professionals, equipped not only with knowledge but with the mindset, leadership, and innovative skills required to drive transformation across the continent.
“I thank the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) for this collaborative opportunity to advance the vision of the University.
“James Hope University Business School is not just a school. It is a movement. A movement committed to excellence, leadership, and the future of Africa.”
Chief Executive Officer of LIMBSimple, Mr Ezekiel Solesi, noted that the firm was established 15 years ago.
” It has been providing simplified, technical, inspirational, and motivational information that will make deliberate improvements in people’s lives and businesses.”
He said that having worked with over 4,500 businesses in the last 15 years, the partnership would help these individuals gain access to additional knowledge on accessing funds.
“So, on one hand, we’re providing our technical expertise to the entrepreneurs within the CIBN community, trying to help them figure out strategies on how to scale their businesses.
“On the other hand, CIBN is also providing for us access to high-level bankers and banking opportunities.
“And then they’re also going to be able to bring their banking knowledge into our community to get our people ready.
“So we want to take a deliberate step in getting our people to be ready for funding, and CIBN is the banker’s bank.
“They’re the ones that can provide us with all that knowledge, resource people that can get our 4,500 member community ready for the opportunities for funding within the banking sector,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
