The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and the Lagos Business School have collaborated to launch dual qualification programmes, the MBA/Chartered Banker and SMP/Chartered Banker programmes.

CIBN president Ken Opara confirmed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Mr Opara said the launch took place at a cocktail event at the LBS on November 1.

According to him, the cocktail session was to commemorate the commencement of the CIBN/LBS collaborative Chartered Banker/SMP two-in-one programme.

Mr Opara said the dual certification programme, which was the maiden edition, would help participants understand the present business environment in Africa.

The CIBN president said the programme would improve the managerial competencies and strategic thinking capacities of industry executives while also implementing strategies for effective change processes.

“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,” Mr Opara said.

He added that the programme would 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.

These programmes, he said, were structured to fast-track competence and skills development of financial service industry professionals.

Mr Opara said the programme would allow participants to run one programme and gain two qualifications.

“This means that you can earn the Chartered Banker designation (ACIB) and the SMP certification by completing a single programme: Chartered Banker (ACIB) and SMP,” he stressed.

(NAN)