Polaris Bank Renovates UI Faculty Building, Reinforces Commitment to Education

Nume Ekeghe 

In a strong demonstration of its commitment to advancing education and human capital development in Nigeria, Polaris Bank has funded the full renovation of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences Building at the University of Ibadan. 

This landmark intervention revives a historic structure originally gifted to the University in 1985 by one of Polaris Bank’s legacy institution, the defunct International Bank for West Africa (IBWA). For over four decades, the building has stood as a beacon of academic excellence, shaping generations of Nigerian professionals in critical disciplines.

At the formal cheque presentation ceremony held at the University, last Thursday, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, underscored the strategic importance of the bank’s intervention.

Represented by the Head of Retail Banking, Njideka Nwabueze, he said, “Education is the most powerful catalyst for national transformation. “By renovating this historic Faculty building, we are not only preserving a proud institutional legacy, but also creating a conducive, inspiring space for the next generation of economists, bankers, accountants, and financial experts who will shape Nigeria’s economic future.”

He added that the intervention goes far beyond physical upgrades: “This project reflects our deep belief in investing in the minds that will drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and leadership across the nation and beyond. Disciplines such as Economics, Banking & Finance, and Accounting are the bedrock of a resilient economy, and we are proud to strengthen the infrastructure that nurtures talent in these vital fields.”

The renovation which is scheduled for completion within six weeks. Once completed, will provide enhanced lecture theatres, improved amenities, and better research spaces, significantly elevating the quality of teaching and learning for current and future students.