Non-professional Bankers’ Days are Numbered, Says CIBN

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), has urged bankers working in financial institution to be certified by the institute, stressing that non- professionals currently working in financial institutions would not be able to hold key positions in the sector.  

The President/chairman of council CIBN, Prof. Segun Ajibola said this recently, during his visit to Lagos state branch of the institute.

Ajibola said: “The time is right for you to be counted. The days are gone were bankers and banking business would be dictated by non–bankers.

“Yes initially, it was an all-comers affair, and anybody could go into banking and trained onthe trade. The whole essence there was thatbanking being a sector that cared to make a living and the moment you had the right amount to procure a banking licence it was easy.

“Unfortunately, entrepreneurs came, and they created more problems for the industry and most of the problems are still very much with us today. But the face of banking has changed.” 

Furthermore, he added: “We have seen situations where sitting managing directors write exams of this institute, so it is never too late so that you would not fall victim of the terminology of being a bank worker and not a banker.

“Their (non-certified bankers) days are getting increasingly numbered because there are so many departments of banks where those who are not certified by CIBN would not be able to head.

“Their days are numbered under the competency framework.”

He also added that the institute plans to contribute to several Bills at the National Assembly, especially  on issues affecting the banking and finance industry in particular and the economy in general as well as to regularlypartner the regulatory bodies in the banking industry.

These regulators, he listed to include the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, to ensure efficient and sound banking system. 

“We continue to contribute to different exposure drafts from these regulatory institutions,” he added.