FirstBank is set to 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, accountability, integrity 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, to promote research, teaching and thought leadership in business ethics, corporate governance, responsible leadership and sustainable business practices.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, will chair the lecture.
Alebiosu said ethical leadership and strong corporate governance were critical to achieving sustainable economic growth.
“At FirstBank, we believe that sustainable economic progress is anchored on ethical leadership, strong governance, and responsible enterprise,” he said.
He said the lecture would provide a platform for industry leaders, policymakers and academics to examine how integrity-driven leadership could strengthen institutions, improve economic resilience and support a more inclusive Nigerian economy.
The FirstBank CEO added that the bank remained committed to supporting initiatives that promote knowledge sharing, responsible leadership and national development.
The Chair is currently held by Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, an internationally recognised scholar whose research covers sustainable finance, corporate governance, business ethics and economic development.
FirstBank said the initiative reflects its belief that sustainable development goes beyond financial performance and requires ethical decision-making, responsible corporate citizenship and strong institutions.
The bank added that its investments in education, research and thought leadership were aimed at developing ideas and leadership principles capable of contributing to a more ethical and sustainable Nigerian economy.
