The occasion was the Ajofa Special Education Foundation for the Deaf Mathematics Competition, a first-of-its-kind event sponsored by Union Bank of Nigeria through its UnionCares initiative. The theme — “Impacting Deaf Students and Life with Mathematics in Nigeria” — captured the essence of the day: inclusion, empowerment, and visibility for a community often left on the margins of mainstream education.

For many of the students, the competition was more than a chance to solve equations. It was a moment to prove that their potential extended far beyond the limits often set by society. Drawing participants from both within and outside the Lagos deaf community, the event was a gathering of young minds ready to rewrite the narrative about what it means to live — and learn — with a hearing impairment.

Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilola Aluko, watched proudly as the students tackled challenging problems with quiet focus.

“At Union Bank, we believe that development must be inclusive. These students are not defined by their circumstances — they are thinkers and problem-solvers,” Aluko said. “Through UnionCares, we are building platforms that open up possibilities for all Nigerians, regardless of physical limitations.”

The Bank’s support made the vision of Francis Ajomiwe, founder of the Ajofa Foundation, come to life. Speaking through an interpreter, Ajomiwe shared how years of advocacy and organizing within the deaf community led to this moment.

“We’ve always believed that with the right tools and support, deaf students can thrive academically,” he said. “Union Bank’s support has helped bring our dreams to reality — dreams of inclusion, opportunity, and dignity.”

The event was also graced by representatives from the Lagos State Education Board, including Bukunola Famakinwa of the School Support Section. In her address, she underscored how access to quality education — especially in subjects like mathematics — can transform the lives of deaf learners.

“Mathematics empowers students to think critically, make informed decisions, and participate fully in society,” she said. “It is our duty to ensure deaf learners have the same opportunities as everyone else.”

After a rigorous round of problem-solving, three students emerged victorious:

• Samuel Megbodofo clinched first place,
• Tomilola Shonubi came second, and
• Opeoluwa Saka placed third.

Each received branded prizes from Union Bank — a gesture that was extended to all participants and teachers as a sign of appreciation and encouragement.

Beyond the awards and applause, what lingered was a quiet sense of triumph — not just for the winners, but for every student who dared to compete, every teacher who believed, and every institution that chose inclusion over indifference.

As the sun set over Surulere that day, it wasn’t just the students who walked away with something valuable. Everyone in attendance — from parents to public officials — left with a renewed understanding of what’s possible when opportunity meets potential.

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The Supreme Court of Nigeria has set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court that had awarded over N22 trillion against Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and other parties, bringing an end to a legal dispute that had persisted for more than 25 years.

The dispute was initiated by Visana Nigeria Limited, which alleged that Union Bank was indebted to it in the sum of approximately $8 million, claiming interest at a compounded monthly rate of 2.5 percent from January 2000, and a post-judgment interest of 10 percent annually until full payment.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Stephen Jonah Adah, supported by four other Justices, noted with concern the lower courts’ departure from settled judicial principles, which unnecessarily prolonged the dispute. He stressed that such judicial missteps had caused undue hardship and uncertainty for Union Bank, its regulators, and associated financial institutions.

The final decision provides significant relief for Union Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), external auditors, and credit rating agencies, who had raised alarms over the potential ramifications of the judgment on the bank’s financial stability.

The underlying litigation arose from claims by Visana against Union Bank, asserting that Metalloplastica Nigeria Limited—a debtor of Union Bank—owed it $7,616,188.94 as of December 1993. Visana also contested the validity of a Deed of Debenture executed in 1989, arguing that requisite consent from Universal Trust Bank (Union Bank’s predecessor) had not been obtained.

In 2014, the Federal High Court awarded judgment in favor of Visana with substantial compounded interest, resulting in the staggering N22 trillion figure. Although the Court of Appeal reduced the award to USD 365,605.32 in 2021, Union Bank pursued a further appeal to the Supreme Court.

Delivering its verdict on 25 April 2025, the Supreme Court found in favor of Union Bank, setting aside all previous judgments and finally resolving a legal battle that had weighed heavily on the institution’s operations for over two decades.

After more than two decades of courtroom battles, Union Bank has emerged victorious at the Supreme Court, as Nigeria’s apex court quashed a judgment that had slammed over N22 trillion against the bank.

The suit, filed by Visana Nigeria Limited, alleged that Union Bank owed it around $8 million, with compound interest stacking up from January 2000 and a 10 percent annual interest added after judgment. The initial 2014 ruling against Union Bank sent shockwaves through the banking sector, especially given the monstrous N22 trillion figure once calculations were made.

Delivering the decisive ruling on Friday, 25 April 2025, Justice Stephen Jonah Adah, speaking for the panel of five Justices, criticized the lower courts for ignoring well-established legal precedents, allowing a simple commercial dispute to snowball into a national controversy.

The win brings huge relief not only to Union Bank but also to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), financial auditors, and credit rating agencies, who had all worried about the impact such a liability could have had on the bank’s survival.

The root of the saga dates back to a 1993 debt involving Metalloplastica Nigeria Limited. Visana claimed it was owed over $7.6 million and challenged the legitimacy of a 1989 debenture agreement.

In 2014, the Federal High Court ruled against Union Bank with hefty compounded interest. The Court of Appeal trimmed the amount in 2021 to USD 365,605.32, but Union Bank refused to back down. Their perseverance finally paid off with the Supreme Court tossing out the earlier rulings and clearing the bank’s name.

With the cloud of a trillion-naira liability now lifted, Union Bank can focus squarely on its future without the burden of a decades-old judgment hanging over its head.

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