United Bank for Africa celebrated the Class of 2026 of its Graduate Management Accelerated Programme on Thursday, August 20, with 374 young professionals completing the intensive training. The graduands were drawn from Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, The Gambia, Mozambique, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, bringing diverse cultural perspectives to a programme designed to prepare talent for Africa’s evolving business environment.
Speaking at the ceremony, UBA Group Managing Director and CEO, Oliver Alawuba, said GMAP has now produced more than 5,000 alumni and remains a key part of UBA’s investment in young Africans. He urged the graduates to see their certificates as a commissioning into the African marketplace, and challenged them to embrace teamwork, adaptability, curiosity and continuous learning. “Turn potential into performance,” he said, stressing that no assignment is too small and that technology, trust and character should drive their work with customers. UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, also engaged the class in an interactive session, sharing lessons from past cohorts and offering practical guidance on resilience, managing workplace pressure and turning challenges into opportunities.
The graduands described GMAP as a transformative experience that built both professional skills and cross-cultural bonds. The ceremony also recognized parents, guardians and trainers who supported the graduates. With certificates presented, the 374 new UBA professionals now enter a competitive market where their training will be measured by results. For UBA, the Class of 2026 represents another commitment to African talent. For the graduates, it marks the start of a responsibility to translate knowledge into impact, potential into performance, and opportunity into results.
