Bukola Smith holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, United Kingdom, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Lagos. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and an Associate Member, Certified Institute of Pensions (Nigeria).

She has about three decades of progressive experience in the banking industry. Prior to her appointment as CEO, she was the Executive Director, Business Development at First City Monument Bank and held other leadership positions since joining in 2006. She was responsible for the bank’s over 200 branches across the country, Public Sector, Business Banking, Agriculture and Transaction Banking Divisions. Under her watch, the bank’s SME focused team in three years moved from fifth position in the industry to first in 2019. In addition, she established the FCMB Women in Business Desk, SheVentures, which supports female entrepreneurs. A mentor to many young women, Bukola sits on the boards of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), and the Toyin Oni Foundation, a non-governmental organisation focused on cancer awareness.