Mr Wisdom Gabriel Odusanya and Mr Rasheed Lawal, both undergraduate students at the University of Ilorin’s Department of Accounting, have secured full-time positions at HSBC, UK, and Bank of America, respectively, following outstanding performance during their internships at the two financial institutions.
The internships were made possible by their outstanding performance in the Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) Institute Research Challenge event.
This was revealed by Mr. Wasiu Oluwatoyin Ibrahim, Faculty Staff Adviser of the University of Ilorin’s branch of The Investment Society (TIS), during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN) in his office.
Mr. Odusanya, a 400-level Accounting student, was granted an internship at HSBC UK from March to May 2023, as he is now set to begin a full-time role at the financial institution in September 2023, immediately after his final exams this month, according to the Faculty Adviser.
Mr. Ibrahim said that Mr. Lawal, who is now a 300-level Accounting student and President of UNILORIN’s TIS, succeeded during his internship at Bank of America and has been offered a full-time employment following graduation.
Mr Ibrahim, who teaches at the University of Ilorin’s Department of Finance, emphasized the accomplishments of other UNILORIN students who took part in the 2022/2023 CFA Institute Research Challenge.
Miss Azeenat Oladoja Afolabi, a 300-level Economics student and TIS Financial Secretary, he said, had also finished a fruitful internship with KPMG Nigeria, while Miss Favour Tolulope Obijole, a 400-level Accounting student, had landed an internship with Chevron Oil Limited.
According to the TIS Faculty Adviser, the society’s constant involvement in contests has created links between industry and academia.
He mentioned that the TIS has been taking part in the CFA Institute Research Challenge since 2018, and that it won the 2022/2023 edition of the competition, which was held in Nigeria.
He further stated that he was named Best Faculty Adviser of the Year and that the University received two Best Presenters accolades.
Mr. Ibrahim stated that all of the CFA championship participants are financial analysts with FMBA degrees.
According to him, this certificate, together with his experiences from TIS and the CFA Institute Research Challenge, qualified Mr. Odusanya for an internship with HSBC in London.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, acknowledged his satisfaction in the TIS team for representing the University of Ilorin in the CFA tournament in his remarks.
He praised Mr. Odusanya and Mr. Lawal in particular for gaining excellent positions at globally famous financial companies while still undergraduates.
He called the accomplishment “outstanding” and said it should be recognized.
Professor Egbewole pledged the university’s continuous support for TIS, emphasizing the importance of students and instructors sharing problems and triumphs.
He also encouraged TIS to broaden its reach within the academic community in order to provide comprehensive capacity building.
“As a university, we will consistently uphold our support for TIS in all aspects. Ultimately, this endeavour is not just about individuals
but about the entire university community. TIS should broaden its scope to encompass the entirety of the University”.
Professor Egbewole added that “even if individuals are not pursuing competitions, they can still gain insights into the world of investments, irrespective of their academic disciplines, whether they are in the arts, humanities, or sciences.”
Mr Odusanya and Mr Lawal expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for the opportunity provided by the University to exhibit the knowledge and professionalism instilled in them. They also praised the University’s President for his warm welcome.
They did, however, suggest that the University always give make-up exams for students who missed one or both exams due to their involvement in such contests and enterprises. They anticipated that such possibilities will enhance morale among their colleagues who have talents but are limited by the university calendar.
