FirstBank has once again taken a bold stride into the future of banking with the unveiling of its Digital Xperience Centre (DXC) at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), marking a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to digital innovation, financial inclusion, and customer convenience — especially within academic environments and the surrounding community.
A New Era of Banking on Campus
In a ceremony brimming with anticipation, First Bank of Nigeria officially commissioned the University of Benin DXC as part of its strategic drive to bring next-generation banking services closer to students, faculty, and local residents. The launch underscores the bank’s vision of making banking more accessible, efficient, and integrated with everyday life — even beyond the walls of a traditional branch.
FirstBank’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, emphasized that the DXC is designed to complement conventional banking halls rather than replace them, reassuring stakeholders that the innovation would enhance customer experience without affecting employment. The centre operates 24 hours a day, including weekends, allowing banking at any time — a feature particularly valuable for students during exam seasons or late-night study sessions.
What Makes the DXC Special
The DXC represents more than a banking point — it is a digital banking ecosystem equipped with advanced technology that allows users to carry out a wide range of financial activities autonomously. Some of the key digital features and services include:
- Account Opening & Management: Open new accounts or update customer details without waiting in line.
- Cash Transactions: Deposit and withdraw funds using secure self-service terminals.
- Instant Card Services: Issue or replace debit cards quickly on site.
- Fund Transfers & Bill Payments: Seamlessly transfer funds or settle bills through self-service kiosks.
- Interactive Support: Some DXCs feature humanoid robots and real-time video banking interfaces to guide users and provide customer support.
- Enhanced Security: All services are backed by robust security protocols for safe and efficient transactions.
These digital tools are designed to simplify transactions, reduce turnaround time, and provide a personalized banking experience without the need for direct staff interaction — while still maintaining high standards of security and efficiency.
A Strategic Expansion of Digital Banking
The UNIBEN DXC is the ninth such centre launched by FirstBank nationwide, reflecting the institution’s broader strategy to expand digital banking infrastructure across Nigeria. Previous centres in key locations have demonstrated how digital banking hubs can accelerate financial inclusion and improve service delivery for customers in diverse communities.
FirstBank continues to lead the charge in digital transformation within Nigeria’s financial landscape, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in integrating cutting-edge technology into everyday banking. By situating a DXC within a major university, the bank aligns financial services with the needs of a younger, tech-savvy population, empowering them with tools that mirror modern banking expectations.
Impact on Students and the Community
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, lauded the initiative, describing the new centre as a beneficial addition to campus infrastructure that will significantly improve how students and staff interact with financial services. He emphasized that the DXC will help streamline banking operations for the university community and enhance productivity by offering uninterrupted access to vital financial tools.
Students and residents no longer need to wait for regular banking hours to complete everyday transactions, a convenience that is expected to boost financial participation among young people and foster greater digital literacy.
Alignment With ESG Goals
FirstBank highlighted that the DXC aligns with its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles by promoting digital inclusion, encouraging financial education, and supporting underserved communities through innovative technology. The centre not only expands access to banking services but also empowers users to navigate the digital financial ecosystem with confidence and ease.
