**Abubakar Suleiman** (born 19 August 1973), popularly known as **Abu**, is a Nigerian banking and economics professional and the current **Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank**, a leading nationally licensed commercial bank in Nigeria. He succeeded **Yemi Adeola**, who retired on April 1, 2018.
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## Early Life
Abubakar grew up in **Otukpo**, in what is now **Benue State**, Nigeria. His father was a **government worker** with experience in **journalism**, while his mother was a **trader** and mother of seven children. He attended **Government Secondary School, Otukpo**, and initially aspired to study literature before choosing economics. He lost his father at the age of 11.
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## Education
- **B.Sc. in Economics**, University of Abuja
- **M.Sc. in Major Programs Management**, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
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## Career
Abubakar's professional career spans various roles in **financial advisory, treasury, risk management, corporate finance**, and **strategy**.
- **1996**: Began his career with **Arthur Andersen & Co.** (now **KPMG Nigeria**)
- **1998–1999**: Worked at **MBC International Bank** (now part of **FBN Holdings**)
- **2000–2003**: Joined **Citibank** as a Trader, handling:
- Currency & Securities Trading
- Risk Asset Management
- Market Risk Management
### Sterling Bank
- **Nov 2003 – Oct 2011**: Group Treasurer
- **2011–2012**: Head, Interim Management and Integration Director
- Managed acquisition/integration of **Equatorial Trust Bank**
- **2013–2014**: Executive Director, Retail Banking
- **Until March 2018**: Also served as **Chief Financial Officer**
- **April 2018 – Present**: Appointed **Managing Director/CEO**
### Affiliations
- Member, **Institute of Directors**
- Member, **Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria**
- Member, **Nigerian Economic Summit Group Committee** for Agriculture and Food Security
- Advisory Council Member, **Lagos Business School**
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## Publications
While at Oxford, Abubakar authored academic papers including:
- *Monetary Theory and Macroeconomic Management in Nigeria*
- *Gendered Leadership in Major Programs*
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## Activism and Philanthropy
Abubakar advocates for **youth empowerment** and **economic development**. He led the design of Sterling Bank’s **H.E.A.R.T. strategy**, which prioritizes:
- **Health**
- **Education**
- **Agriculture**
- **Renewable Energy**
- **Transportation**
These sectors guide Sterling Bank's investment outside of traditional finance.
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## Awards and Achievements
- First CEO in Nigeria to **virtually ring the closing gong** at the **Nigerian Stock Exchange**
- Under his leadership, **Sterling Bank**:
- Achieved **record profits**, more than doubling financial returns year-on-year
- Named one of **Top 100 Places to Work in Nigeria (2018)**
- Won **Best Quality of Life Award** for HR practices
- Named one of the **Top CEOs in Nigeria** at the **BusinessDay Annual Top CEO and Next Bulls Awards (2020)**
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