FirstBank Academy Shines with Global Endorsement

FirstAcademy, the learning institute of FirstBank, has earned the prestigious Gold Award for
Best Corporate University in Social & Climate Change at the 2025 Global Council of
Corporate Universities (GlobalCCU) Awards.
Presented in Paris, France, the award recognises FirstAcademy’s exceptional efforts in
advancing social and climate change education, aligning training programmes with internal
stakeholder needs, and championing corporate social responsibility.
The GlobalCCU Awards, held biennially, represent the highest standard of excellence in
corporate education. Since launching in Paris in 2013, the awards have consistently
honoured corporate universities and learning structures that create meaningful impact for
individuals, organisations, society, and the environment.
Launched in 2012, FirstAcademy is FirstBank’s dedicated corporate academy, designed to
deliver structured programmes in talent development, knowledge management, and cultural
transformation. Its primary goal is to empower employees with the skills and insights needed
to support the bank’s strategic vision, navigate a dynamic work environment, and actively
contribute to social and environmental sustainability.
Commenting on FirstAcademy, Annick Renaud-Coulon, Founder and Chair of the
GlobalCCU Awards, praised it as “an exceptional corporate university and the global leader
in advancing social and climate change learning initiatives.”
She described FirstAcademy as a highly developed institution, deeply aligned with
FirstBank’s commitment to responsible banking and sustainable development. She also
highlighted the strong backing from senior leadership and a governance structure that
effectively links learning to business objectives.
“Congratulations to FirstAcademy for setting a visionary benchmark in driving meaningful
social and climate impact through education and inclusive capacity building,” she said.
Reacting to the award, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate
Communications at FirstBank, expressed pride in the global recognition of the bank’s
commitment to social responsibility and climate action. He described the award as a
validation of FirstBank’s belief that businesses can drive meaningful change beyond financial
success, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future. Ijabiyi noted that
FirstAcademy’s programmes have significantly boosted employee capabilities while also
positively impacting society and the environment. He reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to
using learning and development as a tool for both personal growth and broader societal
transformation.