How Union Bank is investing in female students, entrepreneurs

Union Bank of Nigeria through its Alpher initiative, is investing in the future of female students, entrepreneurs, and professionals across the country.

Alpher offers bespoke financial services, career and business development opportunities, and exclusive lifestyle benefits designed to help women thrive.

The bank said it stands at the forefront of the nation’s financial sector, leading the charge in promoting gender inclusivity and empowering women.

With a rich legacy of innovation and dedication, the bank said it is actively creating a more equitable and supportive environment for women, both within its own workforce and across the wider Nigerian community.

Recently honoured as the ‘Family-Friendly Bank of the Year’ by The New Telegraph, Union Bank is raising the bar with progressive policies for customers and employees alike.

Union Bank’s strategic collaborations, such as its sponsorship of the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Centre (WYEDC) programme, have enabled numerous entrepreneurs to graduate, access vital training, and secure grant opportunities.

Within its own ranks, Union Bank set a new benchmark with a five-month fully paid maternity leave, complemented by the option to take annual leave.

This policy, aligned with the United Nations SDG 3: ‘Good Health and Well-Being’, ensures that employees have the time and support they need to recover and bond with their families.

The Bank’s internal women’s network, WeHub (Women Empowerment Hub), regularly hosts insightful events and discussions focused on bridging the digital gender divide and advancing the careers of female employees.

Demonstrating further commitment to working parents, Union Bank has established a state-of-the-art Crèche at its head office in Marina, Lagos Island.

Equipped with lactation rooms and family-friendly facilities, this initiative directly supports SDG 5: ‘Gender Equality’, enabling women to balance their professional and family responsibilities in a truly inclusive workplace.

Union Bank’s comprehensive approach to gender inclusivity and empowerment solidifies its status as an industry leader, fostering a supportive internal environment while championing the advancement of women across multiple sectors.

Hope Moses-Ashike

Hope Moses-Ashike is an Associate Editor, Banking and Finance, with more than a decade of experience reporting on Nigeria’s financial system and broader economy. She closely tracks market movements, monetary policy decisions, company disclosures, regulatory actions, economic indicators, and global developments, and interprets what they mean for businesses, investors, policymakers, and households. Her reporting helps readers understand complex issues such as inflation trends, foreign exchange market dynamics, interest rate decisions, bank performance, and investment risks. She also covers major international events and periodically travels to Washington, D.C., to report on the World Bank/IMF Spring and Annual Meetings. Her dedication to financial journalism has earned her multiple recognitions and invitations to high-level professional development programmes. She is an alumna of the International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) in the United States and holds an Advanced Financial Journalism Certificate from the Press Association Training in London, UK. Her other notable achievements include completing the Lagos Business School CMC Programme, the Bloomberg Media Africa Initiative Programme, and a Master Class in Journalism at Rhodes University in South Africa.