In a defining moment for Nigeria’s evolving banking landscape, Dr. Sirajo Salisu, the seasoned banker and former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Bank Plc, has officially assumed the mantle of leadership at Summit Bank, marking a new chapter of strategic growth and transformation for the newly launched financial institution.
Dr. Salisu succeeds Mr. Hassan Usman at Jaiz Bank whose distinguished tenure came to an end following his retirement on October 15, leaving behind a legacy of stability and trust. In his first remarks as Summit Bank’s MD/CEO, Sirajo reaffirmed his commitment to building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, promising to uphold the bank’s vision for inclusive financial innovation and sustainable growth.
“As we look ahead into the next phase of our Bank,” he said, “we will continually show up as our best selves and meet the challenges of our world so that we can build a future in which we thrive together.”
This declaration reflects not only optimism but also a clear sense of purpose — one that blends experience with ambition, and continuity with transformation.
A Proven Track Record of Leadership
Before joining Summit Bank, Dr. Salisu built a formidable reputation in Nigeria’s non-interest banking sector. His journey through Jaiz Bank Plc was marked by steady progress and strategic impact, holding key roles such as Regional Manager, South, Chief Risk Officer, and Executive Director, Business Development (North). In each position, he demonstrated exceptional ability to design growth frameworks and strengthen the bank’s market footprint, particularly across the northern corridors of Nigeria.
His leadership acumen, however, transcends national borders. Before his tenure at Jaiz, Dr. Salisu served as Managing Director/CEO of Arab Gambian Islamic Bank (AGIB) for six transformative years — a period that showcased his cross-border expertise and commitment to advancing ethical, Sharia-compliant banking models in Africa.
An Academic Powerhouse
An economist by training, Dr. Salisu’s intellectual depth is as impressive as his professional record. He earned his BSc in Economics from Bayero University, Kano (1991), followed by an MSc in Monetary Economics from the University of Port Harcourt and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
He later complemented his expertise with a Master’s Degree in Islamic Banking and Finance from Bayero University, Kano, cementing his authority in Islamic finance principles. His affiliations include Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA) and Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) , distinctions that reflect his professional excellence and influence in Nigeria’s banking sector.
Building the Summit Vision
For Summit Bank, Dr. Sirajo’s arrival signals more than a leadership transition — it heralds a visionary shift. Stakeholders within and beyond the bank express optimism that his blend of experience, intellect, and ethical banking values will define the institution’s journey in an increasingly competitive financial ecosystem.
The board and management, in a joint statement, expressed confidence that Dr. Salisu’s leadership will propel Summit Bank toward new frontiers, aligning with its mission to become a model of customer-centered innovation, financial inclusion, and strategic impact in Nigeria’s banking sector.
As Nigeria’s economy diversifies and digital transformation reshapes financial services, Dr. Sirajo’s story — from Jaiz to Summit — stands as both a symbol of continuity and a blueprint for leadership evolution in Africa’s modern banking narrative.
Dr. Sirajo Salisu, former MD/CEO of Jaiz Bank Plc, assumes leadership of Summit Bank, bringing decades of experience in Islamic finance and strategic banking transformation to steer the new institution into its next growth phase.
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