Everything started on September 3, 2023, when I received the much-awaited “Congratulations and Welcome” message from Neka Udezue, the programme director. I could understand why, having earlier seen hundreds of messages from our group chat, because the mail had arrived after considerable expectation. Naturally, I was thrilled to be starting a new journey, but I was also nervous about what lay ahead because I had no prior experience in the financial industry. It was a long, meticulous email that included guidance, inspiration, and a foreshadowing of what was to come.

Since this is a dream I’ve had since my fourth year in the higher institution, my excitement was uncontrollably contagious. Unarguably, the Access Bank School of Banking Excellence prides itself as the best banking school in Nigeria, which is not surprising given its demanding curriculum and outstanding teaching methodology. I knew life had something more in store for me in the finance sector, even though I had a degree and certifications in media and years of experience as a media professional, brand strategist, event coordinator, social media manager, and content creator. As much as I’d like to go on about the significant occasions that ultimately pointed my path towards a career transition into finance, I wouldn’t want to do that. Now let’s get back on course!

After completing my required year of service at the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, I decided to pursue a media internship with Accelerate TV, a subsidiary of Access Bank, even though I had already developed a slight affinity for finance and taxes. I also applied for the Access Bank Entry Level Programme while I was there, and after my second attempt at passing all of the exam and interview phases, I was accepted. I ultimately succeeded in getting admitted into Nigeria’s most prestigious banking school.

On October 16, 2023, classes resumed. You can only imagine how nervous one feels on their first day in such a rigorous learning environment, especially after hearing from previous trainees how the school will push you to your limits and hear so many anecdotes of people who have struggled but found success in the end. In order to improve myself, I was excited to go on the exhilarating ride and make the most of my time at the school. As they mentioned, it was accurate, but it was also enjoyable (the food part was definitely something to keep an eye out for).

When I first entered my class (Lilac) that morning, I was greeted by people with sombre expressions who exuded intimidating intelligence. They were all dressed in suits, while I was only wearing a shirt and pants. I wondered to myself, “Are you really ready to go on this journey?” They truly made learning enjoyable, and those oddly serious faces turned out to be one huge happy family that I looked forward to spending every day with.
The most amazing part of the three months was that I wasn’t alone in the journey; I had incredible classmates, fellow trainees, approachable facilitators, and an accessible management team who were always willing to help. Of course, as stated and expected, those three months ended up being the most intense learning experience I’ve had thus far. Bravo to the programme director and her staff for their excellent work in the training school. The enjoyment derived from education among youth from various sociocultural backgrounds and ethnic groups throughout the African continent is undoubtedly a remarkable and praiseworthy example of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.

The school curriculum was very beneficial because it was carefully designed and organised in a way that would allow the trainees to transfer from one learning phase to the next with ease. Beginning with the personal development classes, which assisted in modifying any preconceived notions that would have impeded our academic progress, it proved to be effective in shifting our viewpoints and providing us with a smooth transition when we eventually dove deeper into the real financial and banking courses. It is important to note that learning and character are two elements that stand out for a school trainee; the process involves more than simply learning; it involves developing into responsible citizens and access warriors.

The quotes that adorn the school’s walls serve as a constant reminder of why we are here and what it takes to succeed, while also hinting that the trip may not be simple but it will ultimately be worthwhile. As a result, whenever we felt like giving up, we would recall why we began and find comfort and inspiration in some of these statements.

Studying diligently every day became routine, especially for someone like me with no experience in finance. I had doubts about my decision after taking classes like accounting, elements of finance, and a few others, but I’m thankful for my amazing group of classmates and facilitators who supported me constantly. My decision to burn the midnight oil paid off; I adopted excellence as a way of life and applied it to every exam I took, as well as the outcomes that followed. Yes, it was a truly life-changing experience for which I will always be thankful. Because of the curriculum and programme offered at the school, Access Bank can proudly claim to be Nigeria’s best banking school.
And finally, as we got ready to transition into the on-the-job training phase, the classroom phase came to a conclusion. We would miss seeing one other every day and even our other African friends, so it was an emotional event for all of us. Without a question, the relationship that has been formed will always be treasured. Following a two-week hiatus, the posting mail arrived, with information on our departments and the resumption date.

Our on-the-job training began on February 5th, 2024, and I must admit that this is the part of the programme where everything we have learned over the past three months will be applied.  I was warmly welcomed into the family of one of the best performing sectors in the Corporate and Investment Banking Division of the Bank.  My real-time journey into the banking and finance industry began there. Although my relationship management skills with coworkers and clients are still enhanced by my personal development classes, financial literacy has become essential for day-to-day tasks. With the assistance of the incredible team and employees at Access Nation, I progressively started to understand how to apply everything I had been taught. I must say that I’ve had a comprehensive learning experience thus far and look forward to more learning experience.
After completing a total of six months of transitioning from a media professional to a finance person, I’m proud to say that I’m now a graduate of the Access Bank School of Banking Excellence. That being said, that doesn’t mean I’ve lost touch with my media interest and acumen. Graduating on the merit list with an overall percentage score of 83.02% is an accomplishment I never thought was possible given my background, but as one of the school’s quotes reads, “We don’t do average, we do awesome,” certainly this is an awesome performance for me, and I’m proud of it.

A particular thank you to everyone who has contributed to my development and progress. I’m grateful to the late Herbert and Aig, the visionaries who founded the Access Nation, as well as the management and SBE team, for this wonderful learning opportunity and the exciting professional path I’ve just started. Thank you to the entire Accelerate TV family for your encouragement, support, and constant interest in my professional development. I truly appreciate all of my friends, colleagues, and families’ unwavering prayers, support, and encouragement. “UBUNTU”- I am because we are.
I’m ecstatic to be starting a new role in the financial industry and look forward to picking up new skills. I’m pleased to inform that I’ll be beginning a new position as a Relationship Officer in the Bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking Division. I’d like to congratulate myself on finishing the rigorous six-month training programme.

Oluwatumininu Adetoro, ACIB (in view)
Relationship Officer, Corporate & Investment Banking, Access Bank.