CloTh, James Hope University Host High-Impact AI, FinTech, Digital Transformation Programme for Banking Executives

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh) and James Hope University, Lagos, has successfully concluded a three-day High-Impact executive education programme on financial technology, artificial Intelligence and analytics, specially designed for executives of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions.

Held from 8th to 10th October 2026 at the University Hall, James Hope University, Lekki, Lagos, the intensive programme equipped participants with practical expertise and strategic insights into Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Intelligent Banking, Responsible AI and Digital Transformation.

The programme was led by Professor Celestine Iwendi, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Head of the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh) at the University of Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, and Professor of Practice at James Hope University.

Speaking at the event Iwendisaid that as artificial intelligence transforms global banking, financial institutions must move beyond conventional digitalisation towards intelligent, predictive, secure and customer-focused services.

Through practical demonstrations, banking case studies, executive boardroom simulations and strategic workshops, participants explored how AI can support fraud detection, personalised financial services, predictive analytics, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and data-driven decision-making.

At the event, particular emphasis was placed on moving from AI awareness to AI-enabled leadership, empowering executives to recognise high-value opportunities, evaluate technological risks and champion responsible innovation across the Bank.

Day one was led by Dr. Pradeep Hewage, Senior Lecturer in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Greater Manchester. He grounded executives in the foundations of AI and large language models before turning to AI agents, showing through live demonstrations how AI has moved from answering questions to completing work, and why delegating to intelligent systems is fast becoming a core leadership skill.

On day two, Dr. Ikpenmosa (Ike) Uhumuavbi, MBA, BL, SFHEA, FIMC, CMC, MIOEE, an expert in emerging technologies law, AI governance, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, took executives through AI regulation and responsible governance. He examined AI-enabled financial fraud, deepfakes and social engineering, mapped the regulatory accountability banks face in Nigeria, and closed with a boardroom simulation and a practical framework for responsible and adaptive AI governance.

Prof. Iwendi led day three, alongside CIoTh researchers Salome Uwah, AFHEA, and Emmanuel Edim, AFHEA, translating strategy into action.

Executives assessed AI opportunities across customer service, credit operations, fraud detection, risk management, compliance and workforce productivity, and examined the data readiness, governance, accountability and change management that sustainable transformation requires. In an executive capstone, teams turned these concepts into actionable AI transformation roadmaps.

Their two practical workshops brought the day to life. Salome presented a hypothetical case study (SmartBank), a generative AI assistant that guides customers to the right banking process and checks their documents before they reach a branch, while keeping every approval with bank officers. Emmanuel presented Trust on the Rail, a research-led session on fraud across Nigeria’s instant-payment system, demonstrating TrustRail, a live prototype that warns customers of scams in their own language before money leaves their account.

The programme was further strengthened by the contributions of Dr. Ebere Ubesie and by the research and technical support of CIoTh researcher Idara Kalu, reflecting CIoTh’s commitment to connecting world-class research, international academic collaboration and industry-focused education.

The programme underscored a critical message: the future of banking will not be determined by technology adoption alone, but by the ability of financial institutions to combine intelligent technologies with strong leadership, effective governance and measurable business value.

However, Iwendi expressed his profound appreciation to Mr Jim Ovia, CFR, Founder and Chancellor of James Hope University and Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, for his visionary leadership and enduring commitment to education and innovation within Nigeria’s financial services sector.

He also thanked Professor Oluyele Akinwalie Akinkugbe, President and Vice-Chancellor of James Hope University, for his leadership and institutional support, and particularly recognised Zephia Ovia-Ikem, Director, Strategic Partnerships & International Office, for her exceptional dedication and coordination in organising the programme, alongside the entire James Hope University team for their professionalism and hospitality.

Reflecting on the programme, Prof.Iwendi said: “Artificial Intelligence is redefining the global financial services industry, and institutions that invest in developing the capabilities of their leaders today will be better positioned to shape the banking landscape of tomorrow.
“Our objective is to empower executives to move beyond understanding AI to identifying, implementing and governing intelligent solutions that deliver genuine business value, improve customer experience, strengthen institutional resilience and create sustainable competitive advantage.”

“The collaboration between James Hope University and the Centre of Intelligence of Things illustrates how partnerships between higher education and industry can accelerate knowledge transfer, executive development and responsible technology adoption. As financial services continue to evolve, Zenith Bank’s investment in AI-ready executives reinforces its ambition to remain at the forefront of banking innovation and to help shape the future of intelligent financial services in Africa,” Iwendi added.

The programme concluded successfully on 10 October 2026, marking another contribution to executive education, AI leadership development and responsible digital transformation in Nigeria.