Getting a job as a graduate trainee in a Nigerian bank is one of the top career aspirations for many young professionals. Why? Because banks offer structured career development, corporate training, and of course, competitive salaries.
If you’re preparing to apply for a graduate trainee program or just curious about the 2025 salary structure across Nigerian banks, this guide will provide you with updated, accurate figures and insight into what each major bank pays during and after training.
What Is a Graduate Trainee Role in Banking?
A graduate trainee is a fresh university graduate undergoing intensive training to prepare for full-time roles in the bank. The training typically lasts between 3 to 6 months, focusing on banking operations, customer service, compliance, and soft skills.
Once trainees successfully complete the program, they are often absorbed as entry-level staff with a significant salary boost.
Graduate Trainee Salaries for Top Banks in Nigeria (2025)
Below is a comprehensive and updated 2025 salary table showing the monthly pay for graduate trainees at major commercial and digital banks in Nigeria.
|
Bank |
Monthly Salary During Training (₦) |
Post-Training Monthly Salary (₦) |
|
Access Bank |
₦60,000 – ₦75,000 |
₦230,000 – ₦250,000 |
|
Zenith Bank |
₦70,000 – ₦80,000 |
₦200,000 – ₦230,000 |
|
GTBank (Guaranty Trust) |
₦60,000 – ₦70,000 |
₦210,000 – ₦250,000 |
|
First Bank of Nigeria |
₦60,000 – ₦70,000 |
₦200,000 – ₦240,000 |
|
United Bank for Africa (UBA) |
₦50,000 – ₦65,000 |
₦180,000 – ₦210,000 |
|
Fidelity Bank |
₦60,000 – ₦70,000 |
₦170,000 – ₦200,000 |
|
Union Bank |
₦60,000 – ₦70,000 |
₦180,000 – ₦210,000 |
|
Sterling Bank |
₦55,000 – ₦65,000 |
₦180,000 – ₦210,000 |
|
FCMB |
₦60,000 – ₦70,000 |
₦170,000 – ₦200,000 |
|
Polaris Bank |
₦50,000 – ₦60,000 |
₦160,000 – ₦190,000 |
|
Wema Bank |
₦50,000 – ₦60,000 |
₦150,000 – ₦180,000 |
|
Keystone Bank |
₦50,000 – ₦60,000 |
₦160,000 – ₦180,000 |
|
Providus Bank |
₦60,000 – ₦70,000 |
₦180,000 – ₦200,000 |
|
Kuda Bank (Digital) |
₦70,000 – ₦80,000 |
₦200,000 – ₦220,000 |
|
Opay (Fintech) |
₦80,000 – ₦100,000 |
₦250,000 – ₦280,000 |
|
Moniepoint (Fintech) |
₦80,000 – ₦100,000 |
₦250,000 – ₦300,000 |
Note: These salaries are averages and may vary based on branch location, qualification, and bank-specific policies.
Benefits Beyond Salary
Most banks in Nigeria offer additional benefits to graduate trainees, such as:
- Free accommodation or accommodation allowance
- Daily feeding allowance
- Medical insurance
- Transport stipend or official transport
- Pension contributions
- Performance bonuses (after confirmation)
- Paid annual leave
These perks make graduate trainee programs not only financially attractive but also a great foundation for career development.
How to Apply for Graduate Trainee Programs
To apply, candidates typically need to:
- Have a minimum of a second-class lower degree from an accredited university.
- Be below 27 years old (varies slightly across banks).
- Complete NYSC (or provide exemption).
- Pass online aptitude tests and assessment centers.
- Attend final interviews before acceptance.
Most banks advertise their openings on their official websites, LinkedIn pages, or via popular recruitment platforms like Jobberman or MyJobMag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which bank pays the highest salary for graduate trainees in Nigeria (2025)?
As of 2025, Moniepoint and Opay offer some of the highest graduate trainee salaries—up to ₦100,000 during trainingand up to ₦300,000 after training.
2. How long does bank training last?
Most graduate trainee programs last between 3 to 6 months, depending on the bank.
3. Do banks pay during training?
Yes. All listed banks provide a monthly stipend to graduate trainees during training.
4. Is there job security after training?
Yes, trainees who complete their program successfully and pass performance reviews are often automatically absorbedas full-time staff.
5. Do banks provide accommodation during training?
Some banks like Access Bank and GTBank offer accommodation or transport allowances, especially if training is in a different state.
Conclusion
Working as a graduate trainee in a Nigerian bank in 2025 is more than just a stepping stone—it’s a solid career path. With monthly stipends ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 and permanent salaries of up to ₦300,000, banks continue to attract Nigeria’s brightest young talents.
Whether you’re aiming for traditional banks like First Bank and GTBank, or fintech-driven institutions like Kuda and Moniepoint, this guide equips you with the knowledge to pursue your goals confidently.
Ready to launch your banking career?
Keep an eye on your preferred bank’s career portal and start preparing for their next recruitment cycle!
