FirstBank, West Africa’s premier bank and a leader in financial inclusion, is proud to announce that its Corporate University, FirstAcademy, has won the Gold Award for Best Corporate University in Social & Climate Change at the 2025 Global Council of Corporate Universities (GlobalCCU) Awards.
Newsonspot reports that this globally recognized award celebrates FirstAcademy’s outstanding commitment to sustainability and social responsibility through impactful learning initiatives. It reflects the academy’s success in aligning employee development programs with FirstBank’s broader goals of corporate social responsibility (CSR), climate action, and inclusive growth.
Established in 2012, FirstAcademy was designed to drive structured talent development, knowledge sharing, and culture transformation within the Bank. It empowers staff with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing environment – while contributing meaningfully to societal and environmental well-being.
At the 2025 awards ceremony held in Paris, France, FirstAcademy stood out for its innovative approach to integrating climate action into its learning programs. These include climate finance initiatives and a comprehensive capacity-building training for climate action, reinforcing the Bank’s role in fostering sustainable development.
Annick Renaud-Coulon, Founder and Chairman of the GlobalCCU Awards, praised the institution, saying:
“FirstAcademy is an outstanding Corporate University and clearly the best globally in driving social and climate change learning initiatives. It demonstrates strong alignment with FirstBank’s vision of responsible banking and sustainable development, supported by senior leadership and a strategic learning model.”
Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, expressed the Bank’s pride in this recognition:
“We are delighted to receive this international recognition for our efforts in promoting social responsibility and climate action. This award is a testament to our belief that businesses can be a force for good – driving transformation that goes beyond profit to create sustainable and equitable futures.”
The GlobalCCU Awards, held biennially since 2013, recognize excellence among corporate universities worldwide. Winners are selected based on how effectively they create value not just for their businesses, but for people, society, and the planet.
With this award, FirstAcademy continues to lead by example – proving that corporate learning can be a powerful catalyst for positive social and environmental change.
