FirstBank opens 24-hour self-service banking centre at University of Abuja

FirstBank has commissioned a 24-hour self-service banking facility at the University of Abuja. The Digital Xperience Centre opened on Tuesday and runs seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays.

Students and staff can now withdraw cash, deposit funds, replace ATM cards, check balances, request bank statements, transfer funds and update personal account details on campus. The centre removes the need for members of the university community to leave campus for basic banking services.

What the centre offers

FirstBank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Olusegun Alebiosu said the centre lets customers complete transactions independently without assistance from bank employees. He said the initiative is part of the bank's efforts to expand digital banking channels and reduce pressure on traditional branches.

The facility handles services that would normally require a visit to a banking hall. That includes cash withdrawals and deposits, ATM card replacement, balance enquiries, bank statement requests, fund transfers and updates to personal account details.

Security checks

Alebiosu said the centre uses fingerprint scanning, facial recognition and one-time passwords sent to customers' registered phone numbers to verify transactions. He added that sensitive account changes, including password, phone number and email address updates, require customers to complete verification procedures before approval.

The security measures are designed to prevent unauthorised access and protect customers against fraud.

University welcome and lending push

University of Abuja Vice-Chancellor Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi welcomed the development. He said it addresses a long-standing gap in banking services on campus. The university previously lacked a proper commercial banking facility within its premises, forcing students and staff to travel outside campus for routine transactions.

With the centre now open, members of the university community can access banking services after lectures, during late-night study sessions and at other convenient times.

FirstBank has also partnered with technology retailer Pointek to help Nigerians buy smartphones, laptops and household appliances through its Buy-Now-Pay-Later scheme. Eligible customers can get financing through FirstEase, FirstBank's digital lending solution, and spread payments over three to six months instead of paying the full cost upfront.

FirstBank's Head of Personal Banking, Chukwuka Okonkwo, said customers must contribute 30% of the purchase price to access the facility. He said the initiative represents a shift in the bank's retail lending strategy towards financing specific products rather than providing conventional cash loans.

The campus centre could ease branch queues and improve access for students and staff, while the consumer financing push targets purchases of phones, laptops and appliances.