The first Nigerian female has broken glass ceiling in Nigeria’s 59-year history as the first to append her signature on the naira.
Priscilla Ekwere Eleje, who has been acting director of currency and operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been confirmed, substantive director of the apex bank.
Eleje who was confirmed on August 30, 2018 is the first female director of currency in the history of the bank, and her signature has been appended on the naira.
She is a psychology graduate of the University of Jos, Nigeria.
Mrs. Eleje is an alumna of the prestigious Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship programme in Banking and Management at Boston University, Massachusetts, USA.
She is also a Certified Information System Auditor (CISA).
Ladi Kwali, Nigeria’s foremost potter, is the only woman on the naira, taking a spot at the back of the N20 note.
Every naira note in the country’s history — save the N20 note — has had the face, name, and signature of a man, up until now.
Sarah Alade has been the closest woman to this feat, rising to become the deputy governor of the CBN after as she was appointed the head, fiscal analysis division of the CBN at the turn of the millenium.
Alade, who — though in acting capacity — became the first female governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), retired on March 22, 2017, after leading at the bank in various capacities.
Aishah Ahmed was appointed to replace Alade in 2018.
