The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and Lagos Business School, have collaborated to launch novel dual qualification programmes for bankers and other financial services professionals.

This was revealed in a statement issued on Friday by the CIBN.

The programmes titled MBA/Chartered Banker and SMP/Chartered Banker are aimed at helping participants to gain an understanding of the present business environment in Africa.

The President, CIBN, Dr Ken Opara, at a cocktail event at LBS, to commemorate the commencement of the CIBN/LBS collaborative Chartered Banker/SMP two-in-one Programme, said that the initiative would improve the managerial competencies and strategic thinking capacities of industry executives, while also implementing strategies for effective change processes.

Opara said, “With an SMP/MBA from LBS and an ACIB certification from CIBN, you gain access to a global network of international business leaders across Africa, the knowledge and skills to accelerate your career and thrive in the African business market at affordable and flexible pay.”

The CIBN President added that the programmes were expected to provide financial services professionals with a solid foundation in management and leadership through hands-on training, cross-functional skills development, peer learning and case studies.

Opara said that the initiative would afford participants the opportunity of running one programme and gaining two qualifications, saying, “This means that you can earn the Chartered Banker designation and the SMP certification by completing a single programme: Chartered Banker and SMP.

“As an advocate of future and younger generations, this programme is apt as the mode of delivery is hybrid. This would help participants achieve their objectives without limitation. The initiative is leaning into the future and aligns with the changing business landscape. I am resolute that this initiative will enhance the desired capacity development in the financial services industry and both institutions, that is, CIBN and LBS will be remembered for packaging the programme,’’ he said.