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Tag: Dr. Adesola Adeduntan

  • Pro-chancellor seeks overhaul of Islamic education to boost economic empowerment

    Pro-chancellor seeks overhaul of Islamic education to boost economic empowerment

    The Pro-Chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, has called for a comprehensive reform of Islamic education to ensure it extends beyond preparation for the afterlife and aligns more effectively with contemporary economic demands.

    Adeduntan made the appeal while delivering the 15th convocation lecture of Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, titled “From Faith to Fortune: Building a Prosperous Ummah Through Leadership, Education and Economic Empowerment.”

    He argued that the misinterpretation of Islamic leadership, particularly the conflation of spiritual authority with socio-economic stewardship, has contributed to a persistent gap between faith-based education and the practical skills required for modern development.

    Adeduntan stressed that no individual or community can engage competitively from a position of economic weakness, urging religious leaders to adopt teachings that enhance the well-being and economic prospects of their followers.

    He said, “To our esteemed Islamic leadership – the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), The Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), and all bodies of authority, you must move from being custodians of mosques to architects of economies by promoting ethical entrepreneur, organise investment funds, build bridges and set agenda. 

    “We must re-engineer Islamic Education for Life, not just the afterlife. We must rethink our approach to Islamic education. Our current system of Islamic education excels at preservation but fails at preparation. It teaches the soul about eternity but leaves the intellect ill-equipped for the immediate, complex demands of this world. 

    “We have perpetuated a damaging dual-track model, where spiritual and worldly knowledge run parallel but never intersect. This must be replaced by a new paradigm: the unification of knowledge, where faith is the framework through which we understand, engage with, and transform our reality.

    “We must move from theory to integrated, project-based learning by integrated classrooms, applied theology and entrepreneurship as a capstone.”

  • Tinubu lauds former First Bank CEO Adeduntan for transformative leadership

    Tinubu lauds former First Bank CEO Adeduntan for transformative leadership

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the recently retired Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, commending his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s oldest banking institution. 

    The bank, celebrating its 130th anniversary, will honour Adeduntan with a special send-off ceremony this weekend to acknowledge his nine years of service.

    Dr. Adeduntan’s tenure at First Bank saw significant growth, as he steered the institution through a period of transformative success. Under his leadership, the bank expanded its customer accounts from 10 million in 2015 to over 42 million by 2023. 

    First Bank’s Profit Before Tax surged from N10 billion to a notable N300 billion, reflecting Adeduntan’s effective and visionary approach to leadership.

    In a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu highlighted these achievements as milestones that underscore Adeduntan’s commitment to excellence within Nigeria’s financial sector. 

    The President further expressed appreciation for Adeduntan’s contributions to the Nigerian economy through his involvement in key institutions such as the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, where his expertise helped shape the nation’s economic landscape.

    He praised First Bank’s robust internal management for facilitating a seamless leadership transition from Adeduntan to the current CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu, noting that this continuity would support the bank’s ongoing success. 

    Read Also: First Bank directors meet over Adeduntan’s pre-retirement notice

    Tinubu also wished Dr. Adeduntan success in his future endeavors, applauding his readiness to serve the nation in roles that contribute to Nigeria’s growth and stability.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates  Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the retired Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, for his exceptional service at Nigeria’s oldest bank. 

    “In celebration of Adeduntan’s remarkable tenure, the 130-year-old First Bank will host a special send-off ceremony this weekend, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past nine years. 

    “President Tinubu commends him for steering the bank through transformative growth, which includes expanding customer accounts from 10 million to over 42 million and elevating Profit Before Tax from N10 billion in 2015 to an impressive N300 billion in 2023. 

    “These milestones, the President said, reflected Adeduntan’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence. 

    “The President expresses his appreciation for  Adeduntan’s willingness to serve the nation in various pivotal roles, including his contributions to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and other prominent institutions. His extensive expertise in the financial sector has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s economic landscape. 

    “President Tinubu also lauds the bank’s solid internal management ethos, which is responsible for the seamless transition from Adeduntan to the current CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu. 

    “President Tinubu wishes Dr Adeduntan continued success in all his future endeavours,” the statement reads.