The Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank (SL) Ltd, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, is set to deliver a special lecture to Banking and Finance students at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) on Friday, 17 July 2026, focusing on digital banking, customer relationship management, and financial inclusion.
Dr. Gilpin, who was recently named African Banker of the Year 2026, will speak on the topic, “Digital Trust and Financial Inclusion: Building a Modern Banking Ecosystem for International Investors through CRM.” He is also expected to present a case study titled “How Customers Can Change a Bank’s Dynamics: A Case Study of RCBank,” highlighting the role of customer relationships in transforming the performance and growth of financial institutions.
During the lecture, the Rokel Bank Chief Executive Officer will discuss how customers influence the operations and strategic direction of banks, the importance of customer relationship management (CRM), and how digital trust can strengthen financial inclusion while attracting international investors. The session is expected to provide students with practical insights into modern banking practices and the evolving digital financial landscape.
Speaking ahead of the event, Banking and Finance Course Lecturer, Alhaji Dauda Musa Bangura, said the initiative reflects IPAM’s commitment, under the leadership of Professor Lakkoh, to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice by bringing experienced professionals into the classroom.
Bangura explained that Dr. Gilpin was deliberately selected because of the remarkable transformation of Rokel Commercial Bank in recent years. He noted that the bank’s impressive profitability and growth have become a subject of discussion among students, many of whom are eager to understand how the institution evolved from facing significant challenges to becoming one of Sierra Leone’s most successful commercial banks.
Students have expressed enthusiasm ahead of the lecture. Morning Shift Class Representative, Sallu Kanu, commended the course lecturer for inviting one of the country’s leading banking executives, describing the opportunity as a valuable learning experience. He said students are looking forward to engaging directly with Dr. Gilpin and gaining practical knowledge from his leadership journey.
Another student, Mabinty Suma, said she was excited about the opportunity to learn firsthand from a banking executive whose achievements have earned both national and international recognition. She added that Dr. Gilpin’s experience in managing the banking sector has contributed significantly to Sierra Leone’s economic development and would inspire aspiring finance professionals.
Many other Banking and Finance students at IPAM have also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a rare opportunity to interact with one of Sierra Leone’s most respected financial leaders.
They expressed confidence that the lecture will provide valuable insights into banking leadership, innovation, and the future of the financial sector.
