Juliet Ezeh
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the foundations of the Nigerian economy, saying ongoing policy reforms are aimed at building a resilient system capable of supporting the aspirations of citizens and sustaining long-term national development.
The Deputy Governor of the CBN in charge of Corporate Services, Ms. Emem Usoro, made this known over the weekend in Ikot Akpadem, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, shortly after she was honoured with an honorary Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Honoris Causa, by Akwa Ibom State University.
The honour was conferred during the institution’s combined 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th convocation ceremonies, which brought together several distinguished Nigerians recognised for their contributions to national development across different sectors.
Speaking at the event, Usoro said the apex bank is actively working with other economic institutions to ensure Nigeria’s financial system remains stable, inclusive and globally competitive. According to her, the CBN has introduced and implemented several structural and monetary reforms designed to strengthen macroeconomic stability and improve the overall performance of the economy.
She explained that the bank’s policy direction has focused on aligning monetary frameworks with fiscal reforms being implemented by the Federal Government, a coordination she described as essential for economic recovery and sustainable growth.
“At the Central Bank of Nigeria, we are working hard to build a resilient economy that will support your dreams and integrate you into a global economy full of immense opportunities,” she said.
Usoro further noted that the synergy between monetary and fiscal authorities has already begun yielding measurable outcomes, including improved exchange rate stability, stronger macroeconomic indicators, and renewed investor confidence in the Nigerian economy. She added that these reforms are also helping to promote inclusive economic growth that ensures more citizens benefit from national development.
According to her, the CBN has developed systems and introduced policies aimed at reversing past economic challenges and repositioning the economy to better serve different sectors of society. She stressed that sustainability remains a key focus of current policy decisions, particularly in ensuring that economic growth translates into real opportunities for individuals and businesses.
The Deputy Governor also used the opportunity to commend the role of academic institutions in national development, pledging the CBN’s support for educational advancement and research initiatives. She announced that the apex bank would provide financial support to Akwa Ibom State University to strengthen its academic and research capacity.
“As an institution, we will support the university with a token for its academic and research work to enhance its impact in Nigeria,” she added.
She encouraged graduating students to remain curious, embrace lifelong learning, and consistently seek knowledge that will prepare them for a rapidly changing global economy. Usoro emphasised that excellence is not accidental but is achieved through discipline, preparation, sacrifice, and perseverance.
She also addressed female graduates in particular, urging them not to be discouraged by societal or cultural limitations in pursuing their ambitions. According to her, women have a critical role to play in shaping the future of Nigeria’s economy and leadership space.
The convocation ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary degrees on other notable Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various fields. Among them were the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, who received a Doctor of Arts; Alhaji Dr Muhammadu Indimi, honoured with a Doctor of Business Administration; Mr Uwem Stephen Okoko, awarded Doctor of Engineering; Mrs Mina Tamuno Williams-Agbons, Doctor of Law; Mr Oliver Ebong, Doctor of Engineering; Mr Inyang Udo Tobby, Doctor of Humane Letters; and Mr Elvis Effiong Osung, also recognised with a Doctor of Engineering.
The university said the awards were in recognition of the recipients’ outstanding contributions to education, business, engineering, public service, and national development.
Overall, the event highlighted the growing collaboration between academic institutions, policymakers, and the financial sector in driving Nigeria’s development agenda, with the CBN reaffirming its central role in steering the economy towards resilience and inclusive growth.
