By Mary Onyia
The Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Tony Elumelu, has disclosed the readiness of the bank to ramp up the conversion of outsourced staff to full employees as it continues to strengthen its workforce through its Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP).
Elumelu, who spoke at the combined graduation ceremony of cohorts 19 and 20 of the bank’s graduate trainees held at the weekend in Lagos, commended the commitment and perseverance of the outsourced staff who earned conversion to full-time roles, noting that their transition reflected both their contributions to the bank and the opportunities created by the programme.
“There is benefit in being dedicated; there is benefit in being committed, being loyal and doing your job very well. The institution is appreciative; it is recognising. I know some of you might have complained before. But in God’s good time, in the fullness of time, it has happened”.
Elumelu added that the bank would expand such opportunities going forward, assuring that more outsourced staff would be given the chance to transition into full employment as the institution continues to strengthen its workforce and reward dedication.
He urged the graduates to remain disciplined, hardworking, resilient and relentless, stressing that these qualities are essential for navigating the demands of the banking industry and building successful careers within the organisation.
A total of 720 trainees were inducted into the bank at the ceremony, drawn from two cohorts and described as the largest and most diverse in the programme’s history.
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA, Oliver Alawuba, said the programme reflected the bank’s long-term investment in human capital and leadership development across Africa.
According to him, cohort 19 comprises 306 young professionals, including participants from other African countries, while cohort 20 has 414 Nigerians, bringing the total number of new graduates to 720.
He noted that with over 3,900 graduates produced from previous cohorts and hundreds currently in training, the initiative represents a growing pipeline of talent for the bank and the continent.
“This is not just a programme. It is UBA’s living commitment to Africa’s future. Today, we are not just graduating individuals, we are also strengthening a leadership supply chain that keeps UBA competitive, resilient and future-ready”.
Also speaking, the bank’s Head of Human Resources, Modupe Akindele, said the selection process of the trainees is highly competitive, with millions of applicants applying whenever the programme is advertised.