By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Chairman of Polaris Bank, Dr. Kassim Gidado, has urged newly inducted banking professionals to uphold integrity, pursue continuous learning, and demonstrate ethical leadership as they navigate the rapidly evolving financial services industry.
Dr. Gidado made the call while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 Stream 1 Chartered Banker Induction Ceremony organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), held in Lagos over the weekend.
The event marked the induction of 2,037 professionals into the prestigious Chartered Banker and Microfinance Certified Banker cadre, signifying a major milestone in their professional careers.
According to the Institute, the inductees qualified through multiple certification routes, including nine candidates via the Chartered Banker/MBA pathway, 816 through the regular Chartered Banker route, 25 through the MSc pathway, 262 via the SMP/AMP pathway, and 435 Microfinance Certified Professionals.
The newly inducted members include executives, senior and middle-level management staff of Deposit Money Banks and Microfinance Banks, as well as professionals from public and private sector institutions, self-employed members, and graduates from affiliated tertiary institutions.
In his address, Dr. Gidado described the ceremony as more than a formal event, noting that it symbolises excellence, perseverance, and professional discipline within Nigeria’s banking sector.
He highlighted the rapid transformation of the industry, driven by digital innovation, financial inclusion initiatives, regulatory reforms, and emerging technologies, stressing that trust remains the most valuable asset in banking.
He commended CIBN for its sustained efforts in strengthening professional standards, developing industry capacity, and nurturing future banking leaders in Nigeria.
Dr. Gidado also emphasised the importance of investing in human capital, noting that the future of banking will be shaped not only by technology or capital but by the quality of professionals managing these resources responsibly.
He further encouraged the newly inducted bankers to anchor their careers on three key principles: integrity, lifelong learning, and purposeful leadership.
The induction ceremony attracted industry leaders, regulators, banking professionals, and stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of professional certification in strengthening Nigeria’s financial system.
