United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has employed over 700 young professionals under its Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP).
The bank said the programme has trained more than 5,000 graduates across Africa since it started, providing training and work experience in the financial sector.
The new intake was received in Lagos, where UBA chairman Tony Elumelu addressed the graduates.
“I am so happy to see smiling, young faces. You know, they say 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,” he said.
Mr Elumelu asked the graduates to take responsibility for their work and remain disciplined.
“Selecting the right people, training them, developing them, nurturing them, and getting them to align with the vision is not easy. But it is critical for sustained success,” he said.
He added that organisations must build systems that can continue over time.
UBA’s group managing director and chief executive officer Oliver Alawuba also spoke to the graduates. He shared his career path and told them that growth is possible through effort.
“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, because the journey is not reserved for a special class of people. It is reserved for people who decide to grow and then do the work,” he said.
The bank said the new intake includes 720 trainees, with 435 women.
UBA said the programme is part of its plan to support employment and develop young professionals across the continent.
