The University of Ibadan (UI) has appointed group managing director of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc Oliver Alawuba as an ambassador following the commemoration of the institution’s 75 years in existence.
Founded in 1948, UI is Nigeria’s premier university.
The conferment on Mr Alawuba, who is himself an alumnus of the institution, is in recognition of his contribution and achievements in the banking industry and his efforts at championing the course of the university in corporate Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit to UBA House, Marina on Thursday, the varsity’s vice chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale narrated the various feats accomplished by the university, as he noted that the celebration of UI at 75 will help galvanise interest in a participatory programme that will last a year, ending in November 2024. The programme is expected to develop the institution and give opportunities in form of scholarships to more students.
“As part of the celebration, the university beamed its searchlight to identify our alumni that are all over the world, whose trajectory has impacted positively on the society in both the public and private sectors and who have also contributed towards bringing prestige to the university. We have identified some of our alumni which we have designated as UI@75 ambassadors. Some of these ambassadors are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State governor Babagana Zulum and of course Mr Oliver Alawuba,” Professor Adebowale said.
“Oliver Alawuba with over 20 years banking experience spanning private, corporate and investment banking has demonstrated the virtues in which products of the University of Ibadan are known for and we are pleased with his accomplishment. Furthermore, the university shares the bank’s vision of excellence, enterprise and execution as we look forward to a synergy between the two institutions not only in Nigeria but in Africa and across the world,” he added.
Alawuba who expressed gratitude to the school’s management following the conferment, took out time to encourage Nigerian universities to establish and source for collaboration within the private sectors. According to him, this is important as the reliance on government by the universities in Nigeria is highly insufficient and is no longer sustainable.
“As a pan-African financial institution, with presence in 20 African countries and global presence in key financial capitals in the world, UBA would be readily available to champion a new stream of collaboration with our universities towards sustainable development. I am committed to contributing to the growth and development of UI,” Alawuba said.
During the visit, the chairman of UI @75 and deputy vice-chancellor, administration of the university Professor Peter Olapegba outlined the activities lined up for the event which would last a year. He also sought private sector support for the six-point development initiative of the present administration of the school.
In his over 25 years career in the financial services space, Alawuba has achieved major milestones and contributed to shaping the banking landscape across Africa.
He was at various times CEO designate for UBA Cote d Ivoire, CEO UBA Ghana, regional CEO for West Africa, ED East Bank in Nigeria and later, DMD/CEO UBA Africa, providing leadership for the entire 19 country operations of UBA across Africa. During these periods, he worked with teams to structure landmark transactions and solutions that redefined most of these markets.
Presently as GMD/CEO for UBA Plc, he oversees the global operations of the bank across Nigeria, 19 other African countries, UBA America, UBA United Kingdom, UBA France and UBA UAE.
