Twenty-five years ago (May 30, 2000), I started a banking career that has now spanned seven financial institutions. On that day, I resumed at the Banking School located at Elephant House, Apongbon in Lagos. I was part of the first set of entry-level trainees (we were called Banking Analysts) that were hired by the erstwhile National Bank then.

The actual date of resumption was May 29, 2000 but it was postponed by a day because the then President Olusegun Obasanjo declared May 29 as Democracy Day. So I resumed with 65 others the following day which was a Tuesday.

I still remember the anxiety I felt as I entered the class and saw other colleagues. I was a graduate of Mechanical Engineering (one out of two in the class) and I felt like a fish out of water. It was an intensive Banking School where we were taught Fundamentals of Banking, Credit Analysis, Banking Communication, Basic Accounting, Sales, Etiquette and many other topics.

At the initial stage, I doubted if I could cope. I wasn’t sure I was cut out for a career in banking. I had always seen myself in oil and gas or construction like my father. My dad was key to my study of engineering and I had followed him to many road construction projects. I had also watched him repair huge road equipment like excavators, rollers and payloaders among others. How would I have known then that I would chart another different path?

I started out as a Mechanical Engineering graduate with no banking experience—today, I’m still standing after working at 7 financial institutions over a period of 25 years. Here’s what I’ve learned. Share on X

On the day I resumed at the Banking School, the Head of Human Resources who spoke to us told everyone that our names were written in pencil and that it was after our final examination that we could consider ourselves as bankers. I was scared. I didn’t want to lose that opportunity and there and then, I made up my mind to give it whatever it takes.

I burnt the midnight oil. I read on Molue as I commuted from Ikotun Egbe where I resided to Apongbon every day. I asked questions on the concepts I wasn’t familiar with. I participated actively in class. I didn’t have any Plan B so I gave it my all. After three months, we wrote the final test and I came fifth overall.

Over the past 25 years, I have worked across various functions—from back office to front office and mid office. I have worked across different geographies. I have worked at seven financial institutions. I have led different teams and handled various projects. I have worked with many outstanding supervisors and bosses. 

I have improved myself too. From my initial Bachelor of Technology Degree, I have an MBA and I also have an MSC in International Banking and Finance. I have a Certificate in Project Management. I am not done yet.

I have faced many work hazards also. In one instance, I had to abandon my car and run into the bush when we encountered robbers on one of my official trips. I had a boat accident on the high sea on one of my official trips. I thought the end had come that day but God said no.

From commuting on molue buses to leading teams across the country, the road has been long—but God’s grace has been longer. Join me as I reflect on 25 years in banking. Share on X

I am very grateful to God for His grace over the past 25 years. God preserved me. Even at times when I thought I had come to the end of the road, His mercy kept me going strong. I didn’t know I could come this far when I started. God has truly been faithful.

I am very grateful to my wife for her support. I was just about two years into my career when we married. I was a teller (cashier) when we met. She believed in me when there was absolutely nothing to me. She even accompanied me to some interviews, praying for me in our hotel room as I stood before panel interviews.   She has been my sounding board—oftentimes, I rehearsed before her and she corrected my pronunciation,  etc. A good wife is a blessing indeed.

I have learnt a lot of lessons along the line. Trust God with all your heart even when you can’t see beyond your nose. Work very hard at whatever your hand finds to do and you’ll soon become passionate at it. Make up your mind to be excellent at every given task and very soon, you’ll become outstanding. 

Read widely and give yourself to personal development and you’ll become an expert. Diversify your skills so you can become versatile. Keep increasing your network as you’re only as good as your relationships.

Many lessons over the past 25 years. There will certainly be more down the line.