The Department of Banking and Finance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, has reaffirmed its commitment to deeper collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria to improve academic and professional engagement in the financial sector.

The university made the commitment during a recent visit by a delegation from its Banking and Finance Department to the CBN Abeokuta branch.

The delegation was led by the Director of OOU Business School, Professor Bamidele Ilo, and included the Head of the Department of Banking and Finance, Dr James Obadeyemi, alongside other academic staff.

The team was received by the CBN Abeokuta Branch Controller, Malik Ademola, and members of the branch management.

Ilo stressed the importance of stronger links between universities and financial-sector institutions to ensure that teaching and academic research remain responsive to developments in the economy and financial system.

He said the engagement would explore opportunities for research collaboration, policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, staff development, guest lectures, seminars and joint publications.

According to him, sustained engagement with the CBN would help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice while exposing staff and students to developments in banking and finance.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would provide a foundation for deeper collaboration in financial-sector research, capacity building, knowledge exchange and professional development.

Both institutions recognised the mutual benefits of continued engagement and the importance of stronger university-industry partnerships in advancing Nigeria’s financial system and economic development.