Polaris Bank Chairman Charges New Bankers on Ethics, Lifelong Learning at 2026 CIBN Induction

Story: Written by springnewsng March 18,2026
The Chairman of Polaris Bank, Kassim Gidado, has urged newly certified banking professionals to prioritise integrity, continuous education, and ethical leadership as they step into a dynamic financial industry.
Gidado gave the charge while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 Stream 1 Chartered Banker Induction Ceremony organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in Lagos.
The event saw the induction of 2,037 professionals into the Chartered Banker and Microfinance Certified Banker categories, marking a key milestone in their careers. According to the institute, participants qualified through multiple pathways, including the Chartered Banker/MBA route, regular certification track, MSc pathway, SMP/AMP route, and microfinance certification programme.
The newly inducted members cut across executives, senior and mid-level staff in deposit money banks, microfinance institutions, and other financial organisations, as well as professionals from both public and private sectors.
In his remarks, Gidado described the ceremony as more than a routine exercise, noting it reflects dedication, discipline, and excellence within the banking profession. He highlighted the rapid transformation of the industry driven by digital innovation, financial inclusion, regulatory shifts, and emerging technologies.
Despite these changes, he stressed that trust remains the foundation of banking, adding that the strength of the financial system depends largely on the credibility and conduct of its professionals.
He commended the institute for its role in raising industry standards and developing future banking leaders, while also emphasising the need for sustained investment in human capital.
“At Polaris Bank, we see human capital as our most critical asset. The future of banking will depend not just on technology or capital, but on the quality of professionals managing these resources,” he said.
Gidado further encouraged the inductees to build their careers on three pillars—integrity, lifelong learning, and purposeful leadership.
The ceremony attracted key stakeholders, regulators, and industry leaders, reinforcing the importance of professional certification in strengthening Nigeria’s financial sector.