Bankole Kumolu-Johnson Tackles Public Issues and Complex Challenges in Finance, Education, and Leadership through Financial Literacy and Program Management Expertise

Bankole Kumolu-Johnson is making a profound impact across finance, education, and community leadership through his expertise in financial literacy and program management. Currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership at Bowling Green State University, where he maintains an outstanding academic record, Bankole blends academic excellence with real-world initiatives that promote financial empowerment and community resilience. His extensive background includes a bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from the prestigious Olabisi Onabanjo University, an MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management from Bowling Green State University, USA, as well as professional experiences as undergoing a Portfolio Program Management internship at AbbVie, USA. He also served an impactful role at Apple, where he crafted strategies to connect individuals with the most suitable technological solutions, all of which contributed to his well-rounded expertise in leadership and strategic management.

In June 2023, Bankole pioneered Maverick Financial Literacy Inc., a nonprofit organization with a mission to foster financial knowledge and confidence. The organization’s inaugural training session took place in Toledo, Ohio, focusing on essential financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. Through interactive discussions, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises, participants gained a solid foundation in money management skills that can help them navigate their financial futures with confidence.

In 2024, Bankole expanded his innovative approach with additional “Tennis and Finance” and “Soccer and Finance” sessions, blending sports and financial education to create an engaging learning experience. These events focused on investment strategies and wealth-building discussions, aimed at helping participants secure their financial futures. Each session concluded with friendly sports competitions, where participants had the chance to win prizes, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. These events underscore Bankole’s dedication to creating accessible, community-focused financial literacy programs that resonate with diverse audiences.

As a Program Manager, Bankole pioneered and developed the operating framework of  Maverick Financial Literacy Inc., his  innovative educational model known as the M.F.L.I. Model, which integrates financial literacy with sports and mental wellness. His model covers fundamental financial concepts of personal finance management, through practical workshops and interactive activities, most recently conducted in Bowling Green and Toledo, Ohio. This approach has gained recognition from the National Financial Educator Council (NFEC) USA, which sponsored a showcase of Maverick’s contributions to the financial literacy field, highlighting Bankole’s exceptional methodology and the positive impact of his work.

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Given the current economic challenges in Nigeria, Bankole’s Maverick model holds significant potential to empower Nigerians with money management skills and financial security. By adapting this hands-on, accessible approach to local contexts, communities in Nigeria could benefit from structured financial planning resources, particularly in navigating periods of economic uncertainty. Bankole’s work, rooted in community values and strategic leadership, offers a scalable model for transformative financial education that can empower individuals worldwide amid complex financial challenges.

In addition to his nonprofit work, Bankole is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), the Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria, the Association of Leadership Educators, and the Mid-Western Educational Research Association (MWERA). He also serves as a McNair Graduate Assistant at Bowling Green State University, where he supports McNair Scholars through research advising and frequently presents his findings at conferences, such as ALE and MWERA.

Bankole Kumolu-Johnson remains committed to leveraging his expertise in financial literacy, education, and program management to address societal challenges and uplift the community. His innovative model could serve as a foundation for financial education programs in Nigeria, where personal finance challenges are significant. Through his work, Bankole is paving the way for impactful financial literacy programs that empower individuals to build secure financial futures.