Yemisi Izuora
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, created enhanced innovative leadership growth opportunities for the academic community of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
In line with its sustainable development initiative to promote enabling environment for nurturing future leaders, the Bank on Monday unveiled the UBA Innovation Hub and Business Office in the University campus.
This facility is designed to provide students and the university community access to ideas, networks, innovation support, and financial services that help unlock potential and prepare future leaders for a rapidly changing world.
Speaking during the commissioning, the Group Chairman, UBA, Tony Elumelu, described the commissioning as both symbolic and strategic.
Elumelu, represented by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said that providing such facility for his former institution is a thing of pride and giving back to the University that gave him the enablement.
“The commissioning makes this moment particularly meaningful. Universities remain the birthplace of ideas, innovation, and future leadership. Through this investment, UBA is reaffirming its belief in young people and in the role institutions like the University of Lagos will continue to play in shaping Africa’s future.” He said.
He added that UBA’s philosophy of empowering people and building institutions remains central to its growth agenda across Africa.
Speaking further, he noted that the Innovation Hub and Business Office represent an intentional investment in talent, enterprise, and future economic transformation.
“UBA continues to create platforms that connect knowledge with opportunity. This facility will provide students and the university community access to ideas, networks, innovation support, and financial services that help unlock potential and prepare future leaders for a rapidly changing world.”
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, who emphasised that Elumelu remains “a son of the university”, commended UBA for sustaining a relationship built on impact, innovation, and institutional support.
The four-floor facility has been designed as a shared platform that promotes collaboration between academia and industry.
The Bank will operate its dedicated Business Office within the facility, providing direct access to innovative banking services, financial advisory services, enterprise support, and engagement opportunities for students, faculty, and the wider university community.
The remaining floors of the coA I’vemplex will serve broader institutional and developmental purposes for the University’s use.