The Department of Banking and Finance, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to improve academic and professional development in the financial sector.
The university made this known in a statement on Monday following a recent visit by a delegation from the department to the CBN Abeokuta branch.
The visit, led by the Director of OOU Business School, Prof. Bamidele Ilo, was aimed at deepening the relationship between the university and the nation’s apex financial regulatory institution while providing academic staff with greater practical knowledge and professional exposure.
The delegation included the Head of the Department of Banking and Finance, Dr James Obadeyemi; OOU ASUU Chairman, Dr Ganiyu Yinusa; and other academic staff.
The team was received by the Branch Controller, Mr Malik Ademola, alongside members of the CBN Abeokuta branch management.
Speaking during the engagement, Ilo stressed the importance of stronger partnerships between universities and financial institutions to ensure that academic teaching and research remain relevant to developments in the economy.
He said, “This visit also aims to explore opportunities for research collaboration, policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, staff development, guest lectures, seminars, joint publications and other academic and professional initiatives.”
He added that sustained engagement with institutions such as the CBN would help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice while exposing students and academic staff to real-world developments in banking and finance.
The university expressed optimism that the engagement would lead to deeper collaboration in financial-sector research, capacity building, knowledge exchange and professional development.
The visit ended on a positive note, with both parties recognising the importance of continued university-industry partnerships in strengthening Nigeria’s financial system and supporting economic development.