The International School of Deposit Insurance Studies (ISDIS), in collaboration with the University of Nigeria Business School (UNNBS), has unveiled a suite of specialized certification courses to address operational risks and skill gaps in the financial services industry.
It also explained that the programs would provide a structured learning pathway for professionals seeking to enhance their financial risk management, compliance, and deposit protection expertise.
Speaking at the official unveiling event in Abuja, Registrar/Chief Executive of ISDIS, Dr. Azubike Okoro, highlighted the rapid transformations in the global financial sector, emphasizing the need for professionals to adapt to technological advancements, regulatory changes, and geopolitical uncertainties.
He said: “In today’s dynamic financial ecosystem, organizations need a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also agile in responding to emerging challenges. This initiative provides an industry-focused, practical learning experience that directly enhances professional capabilities.”
Okaro stressed the importance of human resource development in mitigating operational risks, stating that financial safety-net knowledge is not widely taught despite its critical role in system stability.
He added, “Whereas the history of two components of the financial safety-net is as old as banking itself that started operations several centuries ago, the third component, deposit protection, was introduced formally as a nationwide scheme only a century ago.
“So, the worry is not just that knowledge and public awareness about deposit protection schemes and its critical role in financial system stability is poor, also all forms of instruction on it seems limited to what exists within the confines of a few agencies.”
To address this, ISDIS and UNNBS introduced the Certificate in Deposit Protection and Financial Intelligence (CDPFI) and the Executive Master’s in Financial Services (EMFS). These programs are designed to fill the gap in financial safety-net education and professional certification.
Speaking at the event, Josaphat Onwumere, Director of UNNBS, Enugu Campus, described the partnership as the first of its kind in Nigeria and a game-changer for financial education.
He said: “We are here to provide financial education on literacy and technology, ensuring that people understand deposit protection, regulation, and other key financial industry concerns.”
He emphasized that UNNBS Business School is an elite institution known for offering executive programs, certificate courses, and professional degrees, as well as training individuals from academia and industry.
Also speaking at the event, ISDIS Dean of Technology, Mr. Amu Ogbeide, highlighted the role of digital education in financial intelligence training.
He said: “The government has established deposit insurance schemes to protect depositors, and institutions like the NDIC and the central bank work to ensure financial stability. However, access to knowledge about these safety nets has been limited.”
