Introduction

The Third Edition of the CIBN Generation Next Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. This prestigious event is organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and is dedicated to empowering and inspiring the next generation of industry leaders. The Forum serves as a platform for young professionals to network, learn from industry experts, and gain valuable insights into the evolving global landscape. It is an opportunity to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership among the youth.

The second edition of the Forum was held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, and recorded a resounding success. The event was attended by over 1,700 young and vibrant Nigerians, including students in tertiary Institutions, recent graduates and young professionals both physically and virtually across the country. It is worth noting specifically that the Institute’s Legacy Projects (CIBN Banking Halls) in 4 locations across the country were used as viewing centres for students during the event. These include the CIBN Bankers Halls in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State; University of Nigeria, Enugu; Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa State; and The Polytechnic Ibadan.

The Third edition will be facilitated by industry leaders from across different sectors of the economy. An important highlight of the event will be the innovation pitch segment, where inventive young Nigerians showcase their inventions to an audience of top executives, investors, and mentors. This platform offers them a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, secure potential funding, and forge strategic partnerships that can help bring to reality their innovations. During the event, we will also feature a mentoring clinic, talent hunt and product activations for the benefit of the participants.

Building upon the success of the second edition, the third edition of the Forum promises to be a more impactful and transformative experience for the Gen-Z demographic. The event will highlight young professionals who, despite challenges, are successfully forging a path to achieve their set goals. We will also feature industry leaders who will share insights on their journey toward a successful career. The talent hunt will be featured again this year with more opportunities for recent graduates to find jobs.