Officials from First Bank PLC visited Covenant University to explore a strategic partnership aimed at establishing an Experience Centre and Research Hub on the University campus. This initiative is expected to bring significant benefits to the Covenant University community.
The visiting delegation led by the Head of their Value Chain Management, Mr. Olukayode Adeyemi, were warmly received by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Anake, alongside members of the University management team. Other members of the First Bank team include Mr. Austin Udemba (Relationship Manager), Mr. Sebastien Bassey (Business Manager), and Mrs. Chinanu Nwosu (Value Chain Manager).
In his remarks, Mr. Adeyemi commended Covenant University for its leading role in transforming the educational landscape in Nigeria and across Africa. He noted that First Bank's visit was not driven by profit but by a genuine interest in contributing to the University's vision and aligning with its legacy of excellence.
He acknowledged that the partnership was long overdue and emphasized the bank’s commitment to correcting past delays and building a mutually beneficial relationship. He added that while similar hubs had been established at other institutions, Covenant University's exceptional standing made it a priority for First Bank’s latest innovation.
According to Mr. Adeyemi, the proposed Experience Centre will be tailored to meet the unique standards and expectations of the University. He assured that the facility will be built with flexibility and excellence in mind, serving as a valuable asset for research, innovation, and student development.
In response, Professor Anake expressed his appreciation for First Bank’s initiative, describing the visit as timely. He noted that the University is currently pursuing its Vision 7-2030 agenda, which focuses on product development, industrialization, and entrepreneurship. The proposed collaboration, he said, aligns perfectly with these goals.
Professor Anake emphasized that the Experience Centre would provide students with practical exposure to the financial and corporate sectors, enhancing their ‘employability’ and entrepreneurial skills. He highlighted the outstanding performance of Covenant University alumni, who continue to give back to the institution and are widely recognized as some of the most employable graduates in Nigeria.
Concluding his remarks, Professor Anake invited the First Bank team to present a demonstration of the proposed Experience Centre, as a step towards finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding that would define the path forward for the project.
Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lanre Amodu; the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Igban; and Head of the Department of Banking and Finance, Professor Ikpefan.