In a significant move blending finance, technology, and academia, First Bank of Nigeria has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Digital Xperience Centre (DXC) at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). This initiative marks a pivotal step in the bank’s strategy to embed its services within educational ecosystems, fostering a new generation of digitally-savvy customers.
More Than a Branch: Redefining the Banking Touchpoint
At the launch ceremony, First Bank’s CEO, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, framed the DXC not as a mere service outlet but as a strategic hub. “This represents a step towards redefining how banking connects with education, technology, and the community,” he stated. Unlike traditional ATMs or kiosks, the DXC is conceived as a comprehensive, self-service banking hall. It enables users to perform a full suite of transactions—from account opening and cash withdrawals/deposits to updating personal details and lodging complaints—all without teller interaction. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]] This model is particularly relevant in a university setting, where a large, tech-adaptive population has banking needs that extend beyond standard hours.
Addressing the Automation and Employment Paradox
Alebiosu directly addressed a common societal concern regarding digital expansion: the fear of job displacement. He positioned the DXC as a complement to, not a replacement for, human-staffed branches. “It will not lead to any loss of jobs,” he asserted. “More people are accessing banking services, but banking platforms are not expanding as fast. This digital experience is meant to… reduce crowds in banking halls and frustration.” This perspective suggests a model where automation handles high-volume, routine transactions, freeing bank staff to focus on complex advisory services and customer relationship management—a crucial nuance in the narrative of technological adoption.
Strategic Synergy with Academia and ESG Goals
The partnership with UNIBEN is a core component of the centre’s value proposition. It creates a living laboratory for digital finance within the campus, directly exposing students and faculty to cutting-edge banking technology. UNIBEN’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, highlighted the operational benefits: “It will expand the scope of our staff and faculty and improve our operations.” For First Bank, this aligns with its stated commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles by promoting financial inclusion, digital literacy, and sustainable technology. The centre serves as a tangible investment in building the digital competencies of future professionals, potentially creating a pipeline of loyal customers familiar with the FirstBank ecosystem from their university years.
The 24/7 Value Proposition and Future Implications
A key feature of the DXC is its round-the-clock, weekend-inclusive operation. This addresses a critical pain point for the university community, offering unparalleled convenience and flexibility. The deployment of “cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art self-service terminals” is designed to ensure top-tier security and efficiency, a non-negotiable requirement for handling financial transactions. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]] This initiative may well set a precedent for other financial and service institutions looking to integrate deeply with Nigeria’s educational sector, pointing toward a future where campus life and digital service access are seamlessly intertwined.
The launch, covered by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), signifies more than a new bank facility; it is a case study in how corporate entities can create shared value by embedding their digital transformation journeys within community and educational frameworks.
IMEL/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah
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