About 2,037 professionals have been inducted into the prestigious Chartered Banker and Microfinance Certified Banker cadre of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
At the induction ceremony over the weekend in Lagos, the chairman of Polaris Bank Limited, Mr Kassin Gidado, charged the newly inducted chartered bankers to be guided by three key principles throughout their careers: upholding integrity, committing to lifelong learning, and leading with purpose.
“Banking today is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Digital transformation, financial inclusion, regulatory reforms and emerging technologies are redefining how financial institutions operate and deliver value to society,” he said at the 2026 Stream 1 Chartered Banker Induction ceremony, which brought together industry leaders, regulators, banking professionals, and stakeholders to celebrate professional excellence and reinforce the role of certification in strengthening Nigeria’s financial system.
Mr Gidado described the induction ceremony as more than a formal event, noting that it represents a celebration of excellence, perseverance, and professional discipline within the banking industry.
He emphasised that while technology continues to transform the banking sector, trust remains the most valuable currency in banking, stressing that the credibility of the financial system ultimately depends on the integrity and professionalism of banking professionals.
The Polaris Bank chair commended CIBN for its continued commitment to strengthening professional standards, developing industry capacity, and nurturing the next generation of banking leaders in Nigeria.
He also reiterated the importance of investing in human capital within the financial services industry.
“At Polaris Bank, we firmly believe that human capital is the most strategic asset within financial institutions. The future of banking will not be defined only by technology or capital, but by the quality of professionals who steward these resources responsibly,” he stated.
Business Post gathered that the inductees emerged through various certification routes, including nine candidates through the Chartered Banker/MBA route, 816 through the Chartered Banker Regular Route, 25 through the MSc/Chartered Banker pathway, 262 through the SMP/AMP/Chartered Banker pathway, and 435 Microfinance Certified Professionals.
The candidates comprised executives, senior and middle management staff of Deposit Money Banks, Microfinance Banks and other financial institutions, as well as professionals from the public and private sectors, self-employed members of the Institute, and graduates from linked tertiary institutions.