From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Thousands of students, lecturers and non-academic staff of the University of Ibadan, and other critical stakeholders have been given opportunity to interact with Humanoid Robot, equipped with video banking and artificial intelligence to carry out banking services without human interaction.
It was gathered that Humanoid Robot can respond to customer inquiries on deposits, withdrawals, and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, manage complaints, and keep customers informed about the bank’s latest products and upgrades.
The robot was launched in Ibadan during the week by the First Bank of Nigeria, as part of its fully automated centre, FirstBank Digital Xperience Centre, which aims to revolutionise banking services in the country by using biometric technology to enhance security, reduce fraud, and eliminate issues related to incorrect counting of money.
The Humanoid Robot was introduced to the banking system in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the launch of a second fully automated FirstBank Digital Xperience Centre.
The Group Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, revealed in an interview with newsmen at the inauguration that the centre marks a significant leap towards revolutionising the banking industry in Nigeria and brings world-class innovative banking services to customers.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by the Vice Chancellor of the UI, Prof Kayode Adebowale, and the Group Executive for Technology, Digital Innovation, and Banking Services of First Bank Nigeria, Callistus Obetta, among other dignitaries.
Adeduntan explained that biometrics lies at the core of the centre’s services and aligns with the government’s objective of identifying virtually all Nigerians individually for a building a strong database for the country.
He stated that customers could perform various banking services without human interaction, such as opening accounts, making fund transfers, printing new Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, and blocking accounts in case of suspected fraud. He added that the centre features cash recyclers that enable cash deposits without the need to visit a physical branch, thereby eliminating issues related to incorrect counting.
Adeduntan, who noted strongly that biometrics is at the heart of the National Identification Number (NIN), said the fully automated centre “will also help to reduce fraud, forgery, banditry, and every criminal activities because if you visit our Digital Xperience Centre for example, and you use your biometrics, we can pin it down to the particular person that has withdrawn money.
“So, this is actually working in tandem with what the government wants to achieve, which is the usage of biometrics to the point that we can identify virtually all Nigerians. The thinking behind this is our customers can come in into this centre, and they can conduct their banking services without having to interact with any human being. There are machines that issue debit cards at the centre. The robot can help you to make enquiries. You can work with the robot to open account. You can do fund transfer. You can even go in to the robot and ask him to help you block your account if you have suspected fraud.
“We also have the cash recyclers, which means if you want to deposit cash, you don’t have to go into the physical branch. You can just put your cash into the machine, count it, and put in your account number, it will automatically credit your account, and will issue you with a receipt. This way, the issue of I deposited money, they didn’t count it well, and so on, will disappear. It is the first of its kind. We are the first bank in Nigeria that has started this experience centre.
“The first one is located at our branch on Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. We purposely chose the branch at the University of Ibadan for this second location because of our very long outstanding relationship with the city of Ibadan, and the university itself. We believed that students, lecturers, and all our customers in this neighbourhood will benefit significantly by making use of this facility.”
Adeduntan also addressed concerns about potential job losses based on the use of robots at the fully automated centres, emphasising that the centre’s implementation allows employees to focus on value-adding tasks instead of clerical work. He stated that technology is evolving globally, and utilising biometrics is the direction of travel, not only in banking but also in various sectors.
The Vice Chancellor of UI, Prof Adebowale, expressed excitement about the centre, noting that it would serve as a meeting point between gown (the university) and tow (the local community). He highlighted the convenience the centre has brought to the students, who, according to him, can use the facility to study in a friendly and technologically advanced environment.
The Group Executive of Technology, Digital Innovation, and Banking Services at First Bank of Nigeria, Callistus Obetta, also highlighted the benefits of technology, including efficiency and the ability to conduct business from anywhere, anytime, and on any device. He commended Nigerians for their pioneering role in both banking and education and emphasised the significant positive impact of embracing technology.