The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has emphatically stated that education is regarded as the cornerstone and bedrock in which society is erected upon as it adds more worth and quality to life. Dr. Ken Opara, the President and Chairman of the Council, in his speech, warned the people that any society that does not promote education or invest in it is likely to die gradually. The promotion of education should focus particularly on the young generation, the youth.
Opara disclosed this information at the commissioning of CIBN Bankers’ Hall (a CIBN legacy project), which is in the Department of Banking and Finance, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) — the university is popularly known as UNIZIK, Awka, Anambra State. According to Opara, the description of the building was as that of a centre of excellence with 160-seat lecture theatre. This hall is equipped with modern facilities and well-furnished to promote and enhance learning and teaching in the institution.
Societal growth is built on the cornerstone of education.
According to Opara, it was said that the journey of the Hall commenced on April 3, 2023. He said it was during the visitation of the council to the ground-breaking ceremony, where an agreement was made that the project would be completely done without delay and in record time. He expressed his gratitude to God for the physical attendance of the people and the good health they have to witness the opening of the spectacular edifice, which was a complete success.
He affirmed that the edifice represents a symbol of the unwavering dedication of the institute as a promoter of empowerment and scholarship of the future generations. He added that education is believed to be a cornerstone on which the progress, growth and development of a society is built. Furthermore, he stated that the establishment of the Hall of the CIBN Bankers solely represents the eloquent testimony and commitment of the body to achieving the promotion of education.
There would be provision of a world-class learning environment for all.
Furthermore, he explained that CIBN aim is to ensure that the gap between practice and theory is bridged. Also, this includes the gap between industry and academia. With this, there would be provision of a world-class and standard learning environment for everyone. More so, he asserted that the bridged gap will work as a hub for research and innovation, as well as the tool for the development and training of the future-ready finance and banking professionals.
Additionally, Opara noted that the growth of the industry was strongly promoted by the commissioned hall. This was achieved by adapting to the rising needs of the future generation. Hence, there would be an establishment of a robust foundation for the next generation in the aspects of financial services and banking industry. Likewise, Opara made it known that the Hall was the eighth commissioned legacy building by the Institute. Other projects commissioned include Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State (South East); Bauchi State (North East); Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU); Polytechnic Ibadan (South West) and many others.
Through the commissioned hall, students would be prepared for the future.
Prof. Charles Esimone, the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, commended the intervention of the CIBN, which will aid the students’ improvement and the performance of the lecturers. Esimone urged the students to understand that their future starts now. He explained that the CIBN Hall is the centre for the equipment of the psychological and intellectual frame of students, with the purpose of preparing them for the future. Prof. Pius Okoye, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, gave a description of the project as a legacy to enhance the performance of the students and promote the input of lecturers.
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