University of Ibadan (UI) DVC Applauds CBN's Visionary Support for Education, Receives Centre of Excellence

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its forward-looking vision and commitment to advancing education in Nigeria. Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, at the official handover of the CBN Centre of Excellence for Economics and Finance to the university, Professor Olapegba lauded the CBN's unwavering support and innovative contributions to national development.

"The Centre of Excellence represents a shared commitment to fostering education, driving research, and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth," said Professor Olapegba. He added that the state-of-the-art facilities in the building would enhance student learning experiences, support groundbreaking research, and strengthen economic and financial expertise in the country.

The CBN Centre of Excellence, now renamed the Centre for Economics and Finance (CENEF), features advanced lecture theatres, halls, a library, staff offices, kitchenettes, and a student hostel. It was established to support the CBN’s collaborative postgraduate programs in accounting, banking and finance, economics, and business administration.

Dr. Eme A. Dada, a Deputy Director at the CBN and an alumna of the University of Ibadan, emphasized that the Centre aims to produce skilled manpower for the financial sector in alignment with the Financial System Strategy 2020 (FSS 2020). She urged the university to use the facility purposefully and highlighted the CBN’s broader impact on other Nigerian universities.

The CBN Ibadan Branch Controller, represented by Assistant Director Mr. Ajikan Isaac, reaffirmed the importance of the Centre in addressing the financial sector’s manpower needs. He stressed adherence to the agreement between the CBN and the university for optimal utilization of the facility.

The Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, Professor A. O. Folawewo, and the Dean of Students, Professor Keye Abiona, expressed gratitude to the CBN for its strategic partnership and continued support for the education sector.

The CBN and the University of Ibadan signed the initial agreement for the Centre in 2019, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration to enhance Nigeria’s financial education landscape. The handover ceremony concluded with the signing of the official transfer documents by representatives of both institutions.