UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu Vows to Convert More Outsourced Staff to Full Employees
The Chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc, Tony Elumelu, has announced that the bank will significantly increase the conversion of outsourced staff to full employees as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its workforce through the Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP).
Commitment to Workforce Development
Elumelu made this commitment during the combined graduation ceremony of cohorts 19 and 20 of the bank's graduate trainees, held recently in Lagos. He praised the dedication and perseverance of outsourced staff who have already earned conversion to full-time positions, emphasizing that their transition highlights both their valuable 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," Elumelu stated. "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."
Expanding Opportunities for Staff
Elumelu further assured that UBA would expand such opportunities moving forward, with more outsourced staff being given the chance to transition into full employment as the institution continues to enhance its workforce and reward dedication. He urged the new graduates to remain:
- Disciplined
- Hardworking
- Resilient
- Relentless
He stressed that these qualities are essential for navigating the demanding banking industry and building successful careers within the organization.
Record Graduation Ceremony
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, highlighted that the programme reflects the bank's long-term investment in human capital and leadership development across Africa.
According to Alawuba, 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," Alawuba declared. "Today, we are not just graduating individuals, we are also strengthening a leadership supply chain that keeps UBA competitive, resilient and future-ready."
Highly Competitive Selection Process
Also speaking at the event, the bank's Head of Human Resources, Modupe Akindele, revealed that the selection process for trainees is extremely competitive, with millions of applicants applying whenever the programme is advertised. This underscores the prestige and value associated with UBA's Graduate Management Accelerated Programme in the banking sector and beyond.
