In a significant move to redefine Nigeria's banking landscape, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has launched a state-of-the-art digital hub aimed at providing unparalleled convenience to its customers. The initiative, spearheaded by the bank's Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, seeks to merge banking with education and community empowerment through technology.
Unveiling the Future of Banking at UNIBEN
The official commissioning of the FirstBank Digital Xperience Centre (DXC) took place at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Benin City on 29 December 2025. During the event, CEO Olusegun Alebiosu addressed the core motivation behind the bank's push for digital innovations. He emphasized that the primary goal is to introduce greater flexibility for customers, transforming how banking interacts with pivotal sectors like education and the broader community.
Alebiosu was quick to dispel a common fear associated with automation, providing strong assurances regarding job security. "It will not lead to any loss of jobs," he stated categorically. He explained that while customer numbers are growing rapidly, physical bank branches are not expanding at the same pace. The digital centres are designed to complement existing branches, alleviating overcrowding and reducing customer frustration.
24/7 Access and Comprehensive Services
The newly opened centre is described as a virtual replica of a traditional banking hall, offering a full suite of services. Customers, particularly the university's students, faculty, and surrounding community members, can perform a wide range of transactions at any time. These services include:
- Account opening and management
- Cash withdrawals and deposits
- Updates to personal details like phone numbers and email addresses
- Lodging complaints and requesting account statements
A key advantage highlighted by the FirstBank CEO is the centre's operating hours. "The banking hall can close at 4 pm, but this one is a 24-hour operation," Alebiosu noted. This round-the-clock access, including weekends, is a game-changer for students with irregular schedules. "Students who have examinations do not have to worry. They can come here at any time. They can be here at midnight. It is convenient and flexible," he added.
Commitment to Community and Sustainability
Beyond convenience, the Digital Xperience Centre embodies FirstBank's strategic commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Alebiosu outlined that the hub is engineered to promote financial inclusion, foster digital literacy, and utilise sustainable technology to empower underserved communities. This partnership with UNIBEN creates a vital nexus where academic life and practical financial technology converge.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, expressed profound gratitude and excitement about the project. "We are excited and grateful to the bank," Professor Omoregie said. He acknowledged that the centre would expand the operational scope for university staff and faculty, ultimately improving institutional operations. "Ours is a big University, and the University is pleased with the bank for bringing it here," he concluded, endorsing the bank's community-focused investment.
This launch marks a deliberate step by FirstBank to future-proof its services, ensuring they are accessible, efficient, and aligned with the digital evolution of Nigeria's economy, all while safeguarding its workforce and strengthening community ties.
