Wema Bank’s Purple Academy Wins Big at 2025 GlobalCCU Awards in Paris

Wema Bank’s Purple Academy Wins Big at 2025 GlobalCCU Awards in Paris

...Named ‘Best Corporate University Culture’ in global recognition of learning excellence

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous financial institution and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has clinched global recognition at the prestigious 2025 Global Council of Corporate Universities (GlobalCCU) Awards held in Paris, France.

The bank’s Training Institute, Purple Academy, was named Gold Winner in the ‘Best Corporate University Culture’ category—an award that celebrates corporate universities that exemplify innovation, measurable impact, and a strong commitment to learning and development.

Held biennially, the GlobalCCU Awards are widely regarded as the gold standard in corporate education, recognizing world-class institutions that create lasting value for their organizations, people, and society. The 2025 edition drew nominations from top corporate universities around the globe, with Purple Academy emerging as a standout for its transformative work in learning innovation and strategic talent development.

This achievement comes as Wema Bank marks its 80th anniversary—further cementing the institution’s reputation for innovation, resilience, and people-first culture.

Commenting on the award, Managing Director/CEO of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said:

“This win is more than just a global recognition of our learning strategy; it’s a powerful validation of what we have stood for over the past 80 years. Our transformation has always begun with our people. Purple Academy is a tangible expression of our promise to equip every member of our workforce with the tools to grow, lead, and innovate in today’s ever-changing world. To be globally recognized in this milestone year is a proud and defining moment for Wema Bank.”

The GlobalCCU jury, led by an international panel of experts, commended Purple Academy for its strong cultural alignment, innovative learning design, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Annick Renaud-Coulon, Founder and Chair of the GlobalCCU Awards, described Purple Academy as:

“An outstanding Corporate University that transmits, respects, and evolves Wema Bank’s cultural heritage while driving efficient action. Its approach to diversity and inclusion is exceptional, and its leaders engage authentically across the organization. Purple Academy represents not only a great company but also the vibrant culture of Nigeria on a global stage.”

Launched in 2022, Purple Academy serves as Wema Bank’s engine for learning excellence, offering tailored development pathways through five core schools: Culture, Leadership, Banking, Business, and SME Business School. From onboarding programs like the Bankers-in-Training School to leadership development tracks, the Academy fosters a workplace culture anchored in purpose, innovation, and growth.

With this latest accolade, Purple Academy continues to scale new heights—solidifying Wema Bank’s position as a leader in corporate learning, and reaffirming its commitment to empowering people, nurturing talent, and redefining the future of work across Nigeria and beyond.