FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial inclusion service provider, has once again demonstrated its leadership in sustainable development with a major global win. Its learning and development arm, FirstAcademy, has clinched the Gold Award for Best Corporate University in Social & Climate Change Impact at the prestigious Global Council of Corporate Universities (GlobalCCU) Awards 2025, held in Paris, France.
This award recognizes FirstAcademy’s exceptional contribution to environmental education, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and impactful learning initiatives that address today’s pressing social and climate issues.
Established in 2012, FirstAcademy was designed to align employee development with FirstBank’s broader vision of responsible banking and sustainable business practices. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful engine for change—embedding climate action strategies, capacity building programs, and community-focused learning modules into the fabric of the bank’s culture.
The GlobalCCU Awards, held biennially, honor the world’s most effective corporate universities. Since their inception in Paris in 2013, the awards have celebrated institutions that go beyond traditional training to create real value for people, businesses, and the planet.
Annick Renaud-Coulon, Founder and Chairman of the GlobalCCU Awards, applauded FirstAcademy’s achievement:
“FirstAcademy is a very mature Corporate University that demonstrates a strong alignment with FirstBank’s vision of responsible banking and sustainable development. It sets a visionary standard in advancing meaningful social and climate change impact through learning and inclusive capacity building.”
In response to the award, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, shared:
“We are honored by this global recognition. It validates our efforts to create learning programs that not only equip our staff for future challenges but also address societal and environmental needs. FirstAcademy stands as a testament to how businesses can drive positive change beyond profit.”
FirstAcademy’s winning formula includes:
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Climate action integrated into operations and learning
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Expansion of climate finance offerings
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Development of sustainability-driven employee programs
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Alignment with corporate goals for inclusive growth and environmental responsibility
With this Gold Award, FirstBank sets a benchmark for corporate universities worldwide, proving that learning institutions within businesses can serve as powerful tools for global transformation.
