Empowering the Future of Banking: CIoTh and James Hope University Host High-Impact AI & Digital Transformation Programme for Zenith Bank Executives

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the global financial services landscape, financial institutions must look beyond conventional digitisation toward intelligent, secure, and predictive operations. To bridge this gap, the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh), in collaboration with James Hope University, Lagos, recently concluded a high-impact, three-day executive education programme tailored specifically for leaders of Zenith Bank Plc.

Held from October 8th to 10th, 2026, at the James Hope University campus in Lekki, Lagos, the intensive program brought together world-class academics, emerging tech legal experts, and banking leaders to explore the practical frontiers of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Intelligent Banking, and Responsible AI Governance.

Moving from Awareness to AI-Enabled Leadership

Led by Professor Celestine Iwendi, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Head of CIoTh at the University of Greater Manchester, alongside a stellar faculty, the programme focused on empowering executives to transition from AI awareness to proactive, value-driven leadership.

• Foundations and Intelligent Agents: Day one, anchored by Dr. Pradeep Hewage (Senior Lecturer in Data Science and AI at the University of Greater Manchester), introduced executives to large language models and autonomous AI agents. Through live demonstrations, participants experienced firsthand how AI has evolved from answering questions to executing complex workflows—making delegation to intelligent systems a critical modern leadership skill.

• Governance, Ethics, and Security: Day two, led by emerging technologies law and AI governance expert Dr. Ikpenmosa (Ike) Uhumuavbi, addressed the critical dimensions of regulatory compliance, AI-enabled financial fraud, deepfakes, and social engineering. Executives participated in boardroom simulations designed to build robust frameworks for responsible and adaptive AI governance within the Nigerian regulatory context.

• Strategy into Action & Capstone Roadmaps: Day three focused on translating insights into execution. Prof. Iwendi, alongside CIoTh researchers Salome Uwah and Emmanuel Edim, guided participants through cross-departmental AI integration—spanning customer service, credit operations, fraud detection, and risk management.

  The success of the programme was further bolstered by contributions from Dr. Ebere Ubesie and technical support from CIoTh researcher Idara Kalu, highlighting the power of bridging cutting-edge academic research with high-level industry practice.

  Prof. Iwendi expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Jim Ovia, CFR, Founder and Chancellor of James Hope University and Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, for his visionary leadership and enduring commitment to educational advancement. Special appreciation was also extended to University President Professor Oluyele Akinwalie Akinkugbe, Director of Strategic Partnerships & International Office Zephia Ovia-Ikem, and the entire James Hope University team.

  By combining world-class academic rigour with direct industry application, this collaboration marks another milestone in CIoTh’s ongoing mission to foster responsible technology adoption, leadership development, and digital transformation across Africa.