This innovative initiative serves as a Banking Simulation and Training Centre, designed to equip students with hands-on skills in various aspects of banking operations. The state-of-the-art simulated banking hall replicates a standard Zenith Bank branch, featuring all essential departments and equipment found in a typical banking environment. These include customer service and Funds Transfer/Head of Operations desks, cash and teller points, offices for the branch manager and relationship manager, money counting machines, computers, an electronic safe to represent a vault, and a flat-screen TV for displaying treasury rates and advertisements for the bank’s products and services. Additionally, the facility includes mock displays of regulatory requirements, such as the Ghana Deposit Protection Corporation membership certificate, fire certificate, and public notices on tax evasion and money laundering practices.
To ensure a conducive learning environment, the facility is equipped with two air conditioning units, fans, and other amenities.
During the handover ceremony of the simulated banking hall to KsTU, Mr. George Imbrah, Divisional Head representing the Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Ghana, Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, explained that the initiative aims to address the skills gap students often face when transitioning from academic settings to internships or the workplace.
“This initiative significantly eases the transition into the banking industry. Moving directly from university to the banking field can be challenging, as classroom learning differs from real-world practice. As a bank, our goal is to bridge that gap,” Mr. Imbrah stated.
He emphasized that the project would have a lasting impact on the next generation of banking professionals, as Zenith Bank staff will take turns training and interacting with the students. “This simulated banking hall will enable students to gain practical experience through simulation, exposure to digital technology, and insights into current trends in the banking industry. By the time they graduate, they will have a solid understanding of banking operations,” he added.
Mr. Imbrah also assured KsTU’s leadership of Zenith Bank’s commitment to nurturing young talent and continuing its support for the institution.
The Dean of the Business School at KsTU, Professor Abdul-Aziz Iddrisu, who spearheaded the engagement with Zenith Bank Ghana, highlighted the university’s dedication to providing practical training for its students. “Many of us come from the banking sector, and we brought in industry professionals to train our students using real-world models. However, we recognized the need for a dedicated centre that would serve as a one-stop shop for everything students need to know about banking. This led us to approach Zenith Bank Ghana through our Vice Chancellor, and today, we are proud to inaugurate this facility,” Professor Iddrisu explained.
He further revealed that the Banking Clinic would not only benefit KsTU students but would also be used to train staff from low-tier financial institutions.
The Vice Chancellor of KsTU, Professor Gabriel Dwomoh, expressed gratitude to Zenith Bank for spearheading the project, which prioritizes student development. “As a technical university, we are committed to a Competency-Based Training (CBT) curriculum. To deliver this effectively, we need practical facilities to complement theoretical knowledge, including laboratories, workshops, and resources like the Zenith Bank-KsTU Banking Clinic,” Professor Dwomoh stated.
He emphasized that the uniqueness of technical universities lies not only in STEM-related programs but also in ensuring that business-related programs incorporate practical components. “For humanities and business disciplines, there is often a gap between theory and practice. This Banking Clinic is a significant step toward bridging that gap. We are grateful to Zenith Bank for bringing real banking operations to our students, enabling them to practice and meet industry standards upon graduation,” he added.
Professor Dwomoh also noted that the simulated Banking Clinic reflects Zenith Bank’s commitment to impacting its operational environment. “This initiative demonstrates Zenith Bank’s dedication to producing graduates with the competence to excel in the industry. It will benefit the industry as a whole, and we hope other institutions will take an interest in the training offered here,” he said.
He described the Zenith Bank-KsTU Banking Clinic as a testament to the power of partnerships between academia and industry, promising a brighter future for KsTU students and the broader financial ecosystem in Ghana.