By Musa Ibrahim
The Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Emem Usoro, has credited the apex bank’s ongoing reform measures with helping Nigeria avert what she described as a looming economic disaster, saying coordinated monetary and fiscal policy actions have restored stability to the country’s macroeconomic environment.
Mrs. Usoro made the remarks recently while speaking at the combined 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th convocation ceremonies of Akwa Ibom State University held at Ikot Akpaden in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, where she was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration (honoris causa).
Her comments come at a time when the apex bank has faced heightened public scrutiny over policy tightening, exchange rate reforms and broader efforts aimed at restoring investor confidence and addressing structural imbalances in the Nigerian economy.
Addressing graduands, academics and dignitaries at the ceremony, the CBN deputy governor said the reforms introduced by the apex bank, in close coordination with the Federal Government’s fiscal interventions, had begun to produce measurable outcomes, particularly in exchange rate stability and macroeconomic recovery.
“At the Central Bank of Nigeria, we are working hard to build a resilient economy that would support your dreams and make you part of a global economy that is full of immense opportunities,” she said.
According to her, the bank has developed and implemented strategic systems and policy frameworks that have not only prevented deeper economic shocks but are also laying the groundwork for broader and more inclusive growth.
“We have developed systems and implemented policies that brought the country back from economic disaster and are positioning the economy to better serve all segments of society,” Mrs. Usoro stated.
She noted that policy alignment between the apex bank and the federal government has been central to recent gains.
“In great synergy with the federal government, we have aligned our monetary policies with its fiscal reforms, which have already achieved exchange rate and macroeconomic stability, boosted economic growth, and are fostering an inclusive economy for sustainable development,” she said.
Usoro used the occasion to challenge the graduating students to see themselves as critical drivers of Nigeria’s future economic transformation, stressing that no nation can achieve sustainable development without investing in its human capital.
She pointed to countries such as Singapore, Japan and South Korea as examples of nations that transformed their economies through innovation, education and the productive deployment of youthful talent rather than dependence on natural resources.
“Countries without vast mineral resources like Singapore, Japan, South Korea and others have achieved significant economic prosperity and development by leveraging the brilliant minds of their young men and women and their abilities to build, invent and innovate,” she said.
She urged the graduates to allow their knowledge and training become tools for national development.
“This is why it gladdens my heart exceedingly to see before me many brilliant young minds graduating from this great university today. You are our future, the promise of our country’s great tomorrow, our new success stories, and we look forward to your energy, your ideas and your inventions,” she added.
In a move that underscored the CBN’s commitment to strengthening education and research, Usoro announced financial support for Akwa Ibom State University’s academic and research programmes.
“As an institution, we will be supporting the university with a token for its academic and research work for greater impact in Nigeria,” she disclosed.
She also charged the graduates to remain intellectually curious and open to innovation, warning against complacency in a rapidly changing global economy.
The deputy governor stressed that excellence is never accidental but is built on preparation, sacrifice and perseverance.
Other notable Nigerians honoured during the ceremony included the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; Managing Director of Hensek Engineering Limited, Engr. Uwem Okoko; Engr. Oliver Ebong; Pastor Inyang Udo Tobby; and Engr. Elvis Effiong Osung.
The convocation ceremony served as both an academic milestone and a broader reflection on the role of institutions, policy leadership and youth empowerment in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.
