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University Dons Proffer Solutions to Africa’s Economic Prosperity at the UBA Professorial Lecture

Published

7 years ago

November 25, 2019

Intellectuals and leading minds across Africa have suggested the adoption by governments, of strategic policy actions which are expected to ultimately lead to the economic prosperity of the continent.
The Academics who spoke during the first Lecture Series of the UBA Professorial Chair in Finance at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Tuesday, listed a number of policy measures and strategies that can bring about far reaching results. These include instituting stable macro-economic policies, the adoption of supply-side strategies, capital market development, enhancement of banking and financial system, liberalisation of the economy, privatisation and reduced government dominance of economic management, democracy and good governance, human capital development, policy co-ordination and enabling the multilateral environment.
These polices are capable of creating a sustainable path towards the socio-cultural, economic and political development of the continent.
The Professor of Finance and Chairman, UBA Professorial Chair, University of Lagos( UNILAG) Prof John Ezike was joined by the Head of Department, Economics, UNILAG, Professor Risikat Dauda and Senior Lecturer, Finance Department UNILAG, Dr Olalekan Obademi as they took turns in making contributions on the theme ‘The Dynamic Structure of World Economy from Globalisation To Slowbalisation; The African Dilemma’.
Ezike who led the discourse, explained that the global economy is currently witnessing the fourth wave of revolution in civilisation, which is the movement towards de-globalisation or Slobalisation, adding that countries that have not benefitted from globalisation are those that fail to implement sound macroeconomic measures to maintain financial and exchange stability.
He said, “It behoves countries in sub Saharan –Africa, therefore, to strive to adopt policies that are in consonance with the realities of the rapid integration of world economies. The world must seek for answers in a new ideology which will allow globalisation to prosper faster, but prevents the rise of elitism. In point of fact, some world leaders are already of this view as they have condemned the trickledown theory of capitalism.”
Supporting his point, Professor Ezike shed light on how the mentioned policies can take the continent to a new high. On Stable Macroeconomic Policies, he explained that Globalisation increases the cost of macroeconomic distortions while enhancing the reward for sound policies. “As a result, it is important that sound macroeconomic, sectorial and structural policies are applied to improve internal balance, ensure external sector viability and increase the overall rate of economic growth”. Stable macroeconomic policies also ensure that the domestic economy is insulated from disruptive short term capital flows as investment savings decisions would be predicated on domestic economic fundamentals rather than market sentiments that may be unrelated to developments in the economy.
While explaining Capital Market Development, he explained that the capital market should be developed before opening it to international competition. He further noted that the gradual opening up of the capital market would help to reduce the influx of destabilising short term capital flows which in some cases may result in economic overheating. To avoid unintended developments, the capital market should be opened up gradually after adequate safeguards have been put in place and productive sectors have been strengthened.
Enhancing of the Banking and Financial System: In this case, he said the banking and financial systems needs to be strengthened through adequate supervisory and prudential regulations to ensure that internationalisation does not disrupt the financial sectors, precipitate macroeconomic instability and weaken the productive sectors of the economy.
For Democracy and good governance, Ezike noted that good governance is invaluable for a prosperous economy and that the rule of law, transparency and accountability, the bedrock of public administration prevails. He added that, it is worthy to note that excessive government intervention in economic management creates a fertile ground for corruption and rent seeking agencies. “A well-focused administration geared towards reducing bottlenecks on the path of the private sector, would generate adequate impetus for the acceleration of economic growth, he concluded, saying rule of law reduces the incentives for corruption and ultimately creates an enabling environment for the efficient allocation of resources through the free interplay of market forces”.
According to him, history has shown that it is difficult or near impossible to sufficiently gain sustain growth in an economy like Nigeria which is highly multi-ethnic, has diverse parts, but is highly dependent on a mono-product export resource.
“At this juncture, it is safe to say Nigeria and other countries in its league, must out of necessity enthrone true federalism, in its governance and diversify its economic and export base in order to reposition the economy so as to reap the attendant benefits of dynamic world globalisation/slobalisation”, she noted
On his part, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, and Chairman UBA Board of Trustees, Mr. Ben Oghojafor, appreciated UBA for resuscitating the UBA Professorial Chair of Finance and the laudable support it continues to give the institution.
UBA had in 2015 resuscitated the UBA Professorial Chair of Finance at the UNILAG with an endowment sum of the N52.9 million with the aim of bridging the huge gap in the funding of educational system in the country.
Oghojafor said, “It is to the credit of UBA, that the seed they planted through the first endowment has grown and is now bearing fruit. It is on record that the first endowment in 1972 facilitated the establishment of the department of finance in 1973, the first of such department in Finance in any University in Nigeria and has helped train a great number of finance graduates who have gone on to make great impacts in the country”.
“We appreciate the generosity of UBA in helping to make this colloquium a reality today and are hopeful that the bank will sustain this noble initiative for a long time to come”, Oghojafor said.
In his response, Group Managing Director, Kennedy Uzoka, United Bank for Africa, represented by Head, Micro-small, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),Mr Babatunde Ajayi said: “UBA is very proud to be associated with the endowment of professorial chair of finance in University of Lagos and it is our plan to continue to endow that chair”. He also noted that it is the banks passion to improve the quality of education across the continent, particularly in the 20 African countries that the bank is present.
“It is also our way of giving back to the society, as we will continue to sustain the initiative and many more that concern education, because it is very important to UBA and we are more than committed to providing the necessary support for the youths in Nigeria and across the African continent,” Ajayi said

l-r: Director of Advancement office, University of Lagos; Mr. Oluwarotimi Shodinmu; Regional Head, UBA Plc, Mr Uzoechina Molokwu; Guest Speaker, Professor Dauda Risikat; Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos and Chairman Board of Trustees, UBA Professorial Chair, Professor Ben Oghojafor; Chair Occupier, UBA, Professorial Chair in Finance, Professor John Ezike; Head, Head, Micro-small, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), United Bank for Africa, Mr. Babatunde Ajayi; and Regional Head, UBA Plc, Mr. Uche Agu, at the 1st Annual Lecture of UBA Professorial Chair in Finance, themed: The Dynamic Structure of World Economy, From Globalisation To Slowbalisation ; The African Dilemma… held at University of Lagos on Tuesday

Regional Head, United Bank for Africa(UBA) plc, Mr. Uche Agu; Head, Micro-small, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), UBA Plc Mr. Babatunde Ajayi; Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos(UNILAG) and Chairman Board of Trustees, UBA Professorial Chair in Finance, Professor Ben Oghojafor; Guest Speaker, Professor Dauda Risikat; Head Of Department, Finance, UNILAG, Dr. Ayo Olowe; and Chair Occupier, UBA, Professorial Chair in Finance, Professor John Ezike, at the 1st Annual Lecture of UBA Professorial Chair in Finance, themed: The Dynamic Structure of World Economy, From Globalisation To Slowbalisation ; The African Dilemma… held at University of Lagos on Tuesday

l-r: Director of Advancement office, University of Lagos; Mr. Oluwarotimi Shodinmu; Regional Head, UBA Plc, Mr Uzoechina Molokwu; Guest Speaker, Professor Dauda Risikat; Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos and Chairman Board of Trustees, UBA Professorial Chair, Professor Ben Oghojafor; Chair Occupier, UBA, Professorial Chair in Finance, Professor John Ezike; Head, Micro-small, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), United Bank for Africa, Mr. Babatunde Ajayi; and Regional Head, UBA Plc, Mr. Uche Agu, at the 1st Annual Lecture of UBA Professorial Chair in Finance, themed: The Dynamic Structure of World Economy, From Globalisation To Slowbalisation ; The African Dilemma… held at University of Lagos on Tuesday

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GTBANK NAMED BEST OVERALL PERFORMING BANK IN NIGERIA IN THE BANKER’S TOP 1000 WORLD BANKS RANKINGS 2026

Published

6 minutes ago

July 15, 2026

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Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (“GTBank” or the “Bank“), the flagship banking subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group“), has been named the Best Overall Performing Bank in Nigeria in The Banker magazine’s Top 1000 World Banks Rankings 2026.

The recognition reaffirms GTBank’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions and reflects the Bank’s consistent delivery of strong financial performance, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. The rankings evaluate banks globally using audited financial results, assessing institutions across financial strength, operational efficiency, risk management, liquidity, growth, and profitability.

GTBank ranked 1st Overall as best performing Bank and also ranked 1st in Efficiency and Soundness. The Bank secured 2nd place in other metrics such as Return on Risk, Liquidity, Growth, Leverage and Profitability, demonstrating exceptional performance across all major Banking metrics

Speaking on the achievement, Mrs Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Being named the Best Overall Performing Bank in Nigeria by The Banker is a recognition that means a great deal to us, not just because of the prestige of the publication, but because of what it represents; the hard work of our People, the loyalty of our Customers, and the strength we continue to draw from being part of the Group. Ranking 1st in Overall Performance, Efficiency, and Soundness reflects our disciplined approach to banking, the synergies we harness across the GTCO Group, and our relentless focus on delivering real value. We do not take this recognition for granted. It deepens our resolve to keep raising the bar, to serve our customers better every day, and to remain a Bank that consistently delivers value to all its stakeholders, and to the GTCO Group we are proud to belong.”

This recognition reinforces GTBank’s position as one of Africa’s leading Banking franchises and reflects the strength of its business model, disciplined execution, and sustained investment in innovation. It adds to the Bank’s growing portfolio of international accolades and underscores its enduring commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences, driving sustainable growth, and creating long-term value for customers, shareholders, and the communities it serves.

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GTCO Launches Second Edition of #BeatTheDistance Initiative, Donating 3,000 Bicycles Across Six States in Nigeria

Published

17 hours ago

July 15, 2026

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Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has announced the 2026 rollout of its social impact initiative called #BeatTheDistance.This is a nationwide intervention aimed at supporting school children in underserved communities through the provision of bicycles to ease their daily commute to school.

Marking the second edition of the initiative, GTCO will distribute 3,000 bicycles to schoolchildren across six states in Nigeria—Ebonyi, Jigawa, Benue, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, and Ekiti. The programme builds on the impact of its inaugural rollout in 2019 and underscores the Group’s commitment to improving access to education through practical, community-focused interventions.

By helping to reduce the transportation challenges faced by students who travel long distances to attend school, the initiative seeks to improve school attendance, support learning outcomes, and create opportunities for young people to pursue their education with greater ease and confidence.

Speaking on the initiative, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje, said: “Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and creating opportunities. Through the #BeatTheDistance Initiative, we are supporting students whose determination to learn is often tested by the distance they travel each day to access education. By providing these bicycles, our goal is to create an environment where more children can achieve their full potential by reducing fatigue, improving attendance at school, and expanding learning outcomes for children of school age.

He further added: “At GTCO, we believe that meaningful impact comes from addressing real challenges within communities. #BeatTheDistance is one of the ways we are investing in the future by supporting young people and helping to create conditions that enable them to succeed. We remain committed to initiatives that promote inclusion, expand access to opportunities, and contribute to sustainable development.”

The initiative forms part of GTCO’s broader commitment to social impact and sustainable development, particularly in the areas of education, youth empowerment, and community advancement. By helping students spend less time commuting and more time learning, #BeatTheDistance continues to deliver practical support where it is needed most, empowering young people to pursue their education and unlock their full potential.

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ZENITHBANKCHAMPIONSTRADEANDINVESTMENTAT6THCANADA-AFRICABUSINESS CONFERENCE

Published

3 weeks ago

June 27, 2026

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ZenithBankPlcreaffirmeditscommitmenttoadvancingtrade,investmentandeconomiccooperation

betweenCanadaandAfricaastheHeadlineConferenceSponsorofthe6thCanada-AfricaBusiness

Conference, held on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

OrganisedbytheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,theconferencebroughttogetherahigh-level

Canadian business delegation representing 31 companies, alongside senior government officials, business

leaders, investors, policymakers, diplomats and development partners. The gathering set out to strengthen

commercial relations between Canada and Africa and to position Nigeria as a strategic gateway for Canadian

businesses seeking opportunities across the continent.

The Canadian delegation comprised companies and institutions operating across financial services, security,

mining andcritical minerals,legal andprofessional services, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, education

and clean energy. Among those present were GardaWorld, Dentons, Baywood Group, Element, Trilliant and

other leading Canadian enterprises exploring commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Akin Ogunranti, who delivered the keynote address on behalf

of the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the conference as a timely

platform for deepening commercial partnerships between Canada and Africa amid shifting global economic

realities. He underscored Africa’s readiness to lead the next phase of global economic growth, stressing that

thecontinent now possessestheinstitutions,policy frameworks andpartnershipsrequiredtoturn its immense

potential into shared prosperity.

“The question is not whether Africa is rich in potential. It is whether we can turn that potential into prosperity

our people can feel. For the first time, the answer is yes, because of the machinery we are now building,” he

said.

RepresentingtheGovernorofLagosState,HisExcellencyMr.BabajideSanwo-Olu,thePermanent

Secretary, Ministryof Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade andInvestment, Mr. Babatunde Onigbanjo,reaffirmed

the State Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment and international

partnerships, and highlighted Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s commercial hub and gateway to African markets.

“Canada bringstothe tableconsiderable expertise,capital, innovation,and astrong traditionof institution

building.Africa,andindeedLagos,offerscale.Weoffertalent,creativity,marketopportunitiesandan

increasingly sophisticated business environment. Together, these strengths create a compelling foundation

for transformative partnership,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, noted

thattheconferencereflectsthegrowingmomentuminbilateralcommercialcollaborationbetweenboth

countries. He said: “The relationship between Canada and Nigeria is not new. It is rooted in diplomacy, trade,

education,culture,migration,andshareddemocraticvalues.Buttoday,Ibelieveweareenteringanew

chapter: one that is more ambitious, more practical, and more human.”
TheChairoftheBoardoftheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,PaulaCaldwellSt-Onge,highlighted

Nigeria’sgrowing economic significance,saying: “Nigeria’s growth isnot theoretical.It is alreadybeing built by

Nigerian entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, innovators and companies whose ambition reaches

across Africa and around the world.”

She also acknowledged Zenith Bank’s role in advancing the conference’s objectives, stating: “Zenith Bank is

not only oneof Africa’s leadingfinancial institutions, it isthe capital behindwhat you seehere today, and it

represents the skill, ambition, discipline, innovation and excellence that this conference seeks to showcase.”

Theconferencefeaturedhigh-levelpaneldiscussionsonCanada-Africacommercialrelations,investment

opportunitiesacrossprioritysectors,andtheimplementationoftheAfricanContinentalFreeTrade Area

(AfCFTA). The sessions brought together policymakers, business executives and industry experts to identify

practicalpathwaysforstrengtheningcommercialpartnershipsandacceleratingsustainableeconomic

development.

The conference is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for Canadian investment,

while opening new opportunities for technology transfer, private sector collaboration, job creation and long-

termeconomicgrowth.ItalsoreinforcesNigeria’spositionasastrategichubforbusinessesseekingto

access opportunities across Africa under the AfCFTA, supporting the country’s ambition to expand its role in

regional and global trade.