Business
Ethics, continuous learning key to successful banking career, says Polaris Bank chairman
Ethics, continuous learning and commitment to highest standards of professionalism are important attributes that would lead to achievement of successful career in the banking sector.
Chairman, Polaris Bank, Dr. Kassim Gidado, said newly inducted banking professionals must remain steadfast in their commitment to integrity, ethical conduct and professional excellence as they advance in their careers within Nigeria’s financial sector.
Gidado spoke as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 Stream 1 Chartered Banker Induction Ceremony organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria at the weekend in Lagos.
A total of 2,037 professionals were inducted into the institute’s chartered banker and microfinance certified banker cadres – an achievement that marked a significant step in their professional development within the banking industry.
Gidado noted that the induction ceremony represents far more than a formal recognition of professional status, but a reflection of dedication, discipline and the pursuit of excellence within the banking profession.
He pointed out that the financial services industry is undergoing profound transformation driven by technological innovation, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the increasing push for financial inclusion.
Despite these changes, he emphasized that trust remains the cornerstone of banking stressing that the credibility and stability of financial institutions ultimately rest on the integrity and professionalism of the individuals who operate within the system.
He commended the CIBN for its sustained efforts in strengthening professional standards and building industry capacity through its certification programmes.
He highlighted the importance of developing human capital in the financial services industry, noting that the future success of banks will depend not only on technology and capital but also on the competence and character of the professionals entrusted with managing them.
“At Polaris Bank, we view human capital as our most critical asset. Sustainable growth in banking will always depend on the quality, integrity and professionalism of the people who drive the system,” Gidado said.
An accomplished academic, Gidado encouraged the newly inducted chartered bankers to anchor their careers on three enduring values: integrity, continuous learning and purposeful leadership.
President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Pius Olanrewaju urged the inductees to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and strengthen Nigeria’s banking industry.
He described the induction as a defining milestone in the professional journey of the new chartered bankers.
He noted that the inductees were joining a distinguished community of banking professionals recognised for competence, integrity, and commitment to ethical standards within the financial services industry.
He noted that the theme of the ceremony, “Smarter Banking: The Power of AI in Accelerating Innovation in the Industry,” underscored the growing influence of technology on banking operations worldwide.
According to him, AI is already transforming banking through credit risk modelling, fraud detection, and customer analytics, enabling financial institutions to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery.
He encouraged the newly inducted bankers to embrace emerging technologies responsibly while maintaining strong governance, ethical standards, and public trust in the financial system.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s youthful population and increasing digital adoption present significant opportunities for AI to deepen financial inclusion and strengthen risk management across the banking sector.
However, he noted that high implementation costs and skill gaps remain major challenges to the widespread adoption of AI in Nigerian banks.
He urged the new chartered bankers to develop strong technological competencies and take leadership roles in driving innovation that will strengthen Nigeria’s banking ecosystem.
Delivering the keynote address, President, FinTech Association of Nigeria, Dr. Stanley Jacob, FCIB, called on banks to fully leverage AI to enhance innovation and improve service delivery in the financial sector.
Jacob, who was represented by the association’s National Treasurer, Oluwaseun Adesanya, noted that AI is already transforming banking through enhanced fraud detection, operational efficiency, personalised services, and broader financial inclusion.
He warned that institutions that fail to embrace technological innovation risk losing relevance in the rapidly evolving financial services industry.
He also urged banks, fintech companies, and regulators to strengthen collaboration in order to advance innovation and build a more resilient financial ecosystem in Nigeria.
According to the institute, the inductees qualified through different certification pathways. These include 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 route and 435 Microfinance Certified Professionals.
The newly inducted members comprise executives and management staff of deposit money banks, microfinance banks and other financial institutions, alongside professionals from both the public and private sectors, self-employed members of the Institute, and graduates of affiliated tertiary institutions.
The 2026 Stream 1 Chartered Banker Induction Ceremony attracted leading figures from across the financial services sector, including regulators, industry leaders and banking professionals, who gathered to celebrate professional achievement and reaffirm the importance of certification in promoting confidence and stability within Nigeria’s banking industry.
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