By Ayomide Otitoju
FirstBank will host the inaugural public lecture of the Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair in Business Ethics and Governance at the University of Lagos on September 3, 2026.
The lecture, themed “Business Ethics and the Future of Nigeria’s Economy,” will bring together academics, students, business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and other stakeholders to examine the role of ethics, integrity, accountability and sustainability in Nigeria’s economic development.
The Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair was established in honour of Samuel Asabia, FirstBank’s first indigenous Managing Director. It serves as a platform for scholarly research, teaching and thought leadership in business ethics, corporate governance, responsible leadership and sustainable business practices.
FirstBank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, will chair the lecture.
Speaking on the initiative, Alebiosu said sustainable economic growth depends on ethical leadership, strong governance and responsible business practices.
“At FirstBank, we believe that sustainable economic progress is anchored on ethical leadership, strong governance, and responsible enterprise,” he said.
He added that the lecture would provide an opportunity for industry leaders, policymakers and academics to explore how integrity-driven leadership can strengthen institutions, improve economic resilience and support a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
The bank said the initiative reflects its belief that sustainable development goes beyond financial performance to include ethical decision-making, responsible corporate citizenship, strong governance and the development of future leaders.
The Chair is currently occupied by Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, an internationally recognised scholar whose research focuses on sustainable finance, corporate governance, business ethics and economic development.
FirstBank said it would continue to invest in education, research and thought leadership initiatives aimed at supporting the development of institutions and leadership principles for a more prosperous, ethical and sustainable Nigeria.
