Forty young Namibians left for Lagos, Nigeria on 22 November 2024 to hone their skills in banking through the Access Bank entry-level training programme at the Banking School of Excellence.
Shittaa Mushakwa says the trip to Lagos was a long journey, but he was excited to be there, and grateful to have learnt more about the banking sector.
“I am excited to be here, and learn this new experience. I am expecting to learn as much as I can during our training at the Banking School of Excellence. I am ready to challenge myself, and my goal is to graduate and secure a job back home,” said the enthusiastic Mushakwa upon arrival in Lagos.
The English and Linguistics graduate from the Namibia University of Science and Technology is among many who have been selected by Access Bank Plc to take part in the six-month programme that started two weeks ago.
“The journey has already been exciting, and I am eager to embrace the rigorous training ahead. This programme is more than just a stepping stone; it’s a chance to grow, challenge myself and gain invaluable insights into banking fundamentals. My goal is clear: to make the most of this experience, graduate successfully and return to Namibia equipped to contribute meaningfully to the financial sector,” he said on social media.
The programme includes on-the-job training and three months of hands-on experience at Access Bank Plc. The other part consists of three months of intensive classroom training at the Banking School of Excellence to equip trainees with essential banking skills.
The project executive, Oluseun Onasoga, said Access Bank is proud to have selected the 40 Namibian graduates who will take part in this exclusive Access Bank Plc Graduate Programme, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth and development.
“This programme will allow young Namibians who just graduated from school the opportunity to go through the six-month programme to understand banking on a global stage, while holding onto their cultural heritage,” said Onasoga.
He said the beauty of the programme is that it only features the best minds from the global institution you might think of, ensuring that any banker who has gone through the training and succeeds can stand toe-to-toe with the best international bankers, and hold his/her own professionally.
Onasoga added that the programme follows different models of banking such as financial analysis, complex financial structure and trade finance, among many other scopes.
“The dream is to build a future of tomorrow’s bankers, and ensure that it can solve the African problem. When the trainees come back, they will be ready to work in a bank as permanent staff,” he said.
“Our call was, Africa needs you because we believe that the skills the graduates will develop during this exceptional programme will not only benefit Namibia, but the entire African continent at large,” said Kauna Ndilula, the project lead, Access Bank Plc.