Polaris Bank has graduated 58 new hires from its flagship training programmes, selecting them from more than 10,000 applicants in a move aimed at strengthening talent in Nigeria’s financial sector.

The new employees completed the Polaris Graduate Intensive Training (PGIT) and Polaris Tech Ignite Programme (PTIP), both designed to equip young professionals with banking and technology skills.

The ceremony, held in Lagos on 8 April, brought together senior executives and industry stakeholders, marking what the bank described as a milestone in its talent development strategy.

Only 0.58% of applicants were selected, underlining the competitive nature of the process and the bank’s emphasis on high standards.

“Keep learning, keep evolving”

Polaris Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Lawal, told the graduates that adapting to rapid technological change would define their careers.

“Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching,” he said.

“In today’s technology-driven world, staying relevant requires constantly upgrading your skills.”

He pointed to the shift from traditional systems to artificial intelligence, noting that tasks that once took weeks can now be completed in minutes.

“To thrive, you must learn, adapt, and evolve,” he added.

Integrity ‘remains the cornerstone’

Mr Lawal also stressed the importance of ethics in the banking industry, warning that reputation is critical.

“Integrity is the hallmark of a banker – once you lose it, you lose everything. What we truly sell is our reputation,” he said.

He encouraged the graduates to adopt disciplined financial habits, remain humble, and show gratitude throughout their careers.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s banking sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation, driven by fintech growth and increased adoption of digital banking services.

Industry analysts say initiatives like PGIT and PTIP are essential to closing the skills gap and preparing a workforce capable of navigating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data-driven banking.

The 58 graduates are expected to support Polaris Bank’s expansion in retail banking, digital innovation, and customer service delivery.

Industry and public perspective

Experts say talent development programmes are becoming increasingly important as banks compete with fintech firms for skilled professionals.

Young professionals have also welcomed such initiatives, describing them as rare opportunities in a competitive job market.

What’s next

Polaris Bank says the new hires will be deployed across key business units, contributing to its long-term growth strategy.

The bank added that it will continue investing in youth empowerment and professional development to sustain innovation in the financial services sector.

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has extended the deadline for filing individual annual income tax returns to April 21, 2026, following increased activity on its eTax platform.

The agency said the decision comes after an earlier extension to April 14, as more taxpayers rushed to meet the deadline.

In a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Monsurat Amasa-Oyelude, LIRS said the move is aimed at ensuring all taxpayers have enough time to complete their filings successfully.

Why It Matters

The extension offers relief to individuals and businesses who may have struggled with technical delays or last-minute submissions.

Tax filing is a legal obligation in Lagos State, and compliance plays a critical role in funding public services, infrastructure, and economic development.

With Nigeria pushing for improved tax compliance, digital platforms like LIRS’ eTax system are central to modernising revenue collection.

Surge in Online Activity

LIRS noted a “significant increase in traffic” on its eTax platform as the previous deadline approached.

“This additional extension is granted in consideration of the overwhelming response and to enhance taxpayer convenience, while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of submissions,” the statement said.

The agency emphasised that the extension is final, urging taxpayers to act promptly.

Mandatory Online Filing

The Executive Chairman of LIRS, Ayodele Subair, reiterated that all tax returns must be submitted electronically.

“All filings must be completed electronically via the LIRS eTax platform, which remains the only approved channel for submission,” he said.

Taxpayers requiring assistance can visit LIRS offices or use official communication channels.

Industry and Public Perspective

Financial analysts say repeated deadline extensions reflect both increased awareness and lingering challenges with digital adoption.

Some taxpayers have welcomed the extension, citing network issues and delays in gathering documentation.

However, tax experts warn that consistent last-minute filings could continue to overload the system unless more users file earlier.

What’s Next

With the new deadline set for April 21, authorities are expected to monitor compliance levels and platform performance.

There are also calls for further investment in digital infrastructure to support Nigeria’s growing taxpayer base.

Polaris Bank has launched a nationwide financial literacy campaign targeting young Nigerians as part of Global Money Week 2026, aiming to equip students with practical money management skills in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

The initiative, which runs from 7 to 30 April, is part of the global Global Money Week (GMW) campaign focused on improving financial awareness among children and young people.

Organised annually by Child and Youth Finance International, the programme brings together financial institutions, regulators and educators to promote better understanding of money, savings and entrepreneurship.

Why it matters

Financial literacy is increasingly seen as a critical life skill, especially as young people navigate digital payments, online spending and emerging financial tools.

Polaris Bank says its participation reflects a broader push to build financially responsible future generations.

“Financial literacy is increasingly becoming a life skill, not just a nice-to-have.”

The bank will host financial literacy sessions in schools across Nigeria, in line with directives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through its Financial Literacy Secretariat.

Students will be taught key concepts such as budgeting, saving, responsible use of financial products, and entrepreneurship.

Building on past impact

The bank said it reached more than 3,300 students across 35 secondary schools during the 2025 edition of the programme.

This year’s campaign, themed “Smart Money Talks,” focuses on helping young people make informed financial decisions in a digital-first world.

It also emphasises critical thinking and emotional intelligence in managing money.

Industry and public perspective

Experts say early financial education can help young people avoid debt traps and develop healthy financial habits.

With the rise of fintech platforms and digital banking in Nigeria, young users are increasingly exposed to financial decisions at an earlier age.

Polaris Bank believes that engaging students early can help them distinguish between impulsive spending and informed choices.

“Early education is critical to helping young people distinguish between impulse and intention, trend and truth, convenience and responsibility.”

What’s next

The bank plans to deepen its outreach through continued school engagement and partnerships, positioning financial literacy as a tool for long-term economic inclusion.

It says the initiative aligns with national goals to promote financial inclusion and economic resilience.