Paris, May 12, 2025 – Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous lender and Africa’s digital banking pioneer, has won the 2025 Global Council of Corporate Universities (GlobalCCU) Gold Award for ‘Best Corporate University Culture.’ The award recognizes the bank’s learning institute, Purple Academy, for driving a dynamic learning culture across the organization.
The GlobalCCU Awards, held biennially in Paris, celebrate innovation and impact in corporate education. Wema Bank stood out among international nominees for its focus on human capital growth, business alignment, and forward-thinking learning programs.
Purple Academy: Nurturing Future-Ready Talent
Established in 2022, Purple Academy serves as Wema Bank’s corporate university. It supports staff development through immersive programs, personalized learning paths, and future-focused content. The Academy operates five specialized schools, Culture, Leadership, Banking, Business, and SMEs, to address evolving workplace demands.
From onboarding through the Bankers-in-Training School to grooming high-impact leaders, Purple Academy offers end-to-end talent development. This strategic approach fosters innovation and aligns with Wema Bank’s commitment to excellence.
“This global win validates everything we’ve stood for over the past 80 years,” said Moruf Oseni, Managing Director/CEO. “At Wema, transformation begins with our people. Purple Academy is a promise in motion, designed to equip our workforce with tools to grow, lead, and innovate.”
Global Recognition for Cultural Impact and Inclusion
GlobalCCU Founder and Chairman, Annick Renaud-Coulon, praised the Academy for advancing a strong learning culture. She described it as “an outstanding Corporate University” that transmits and evolves Wema’s cultural heritage.
She highlighted its commitment to diversity and inclusion, noting how internal videos showcase engaging leadership and cultural pride. “They are not only representing a great company but also reflecting the culture of their country in the best possible way,” she said.
As Wema Bank celebrates its 80th anniversary, the award marks a new chapter in its journey. Purple Academy continues to scale its influence across sectors and borders, proving that strategic learning is key to building lasting impact.
