Sterling Bank launches N2bn youth scholarship drive

Sterling Bank has commemorated Nigeria’s Democracy Day with the launch of a groundbreaking ₦2 billion scholarship initiative aimed at transforming access to tertiary education for hundreds of Nigerian youths.

Announced on Thursday, in Lagos, the Beyond Education programme will fully fund private university degrees for 600 students across the country, marking one of the most ambitious private-sector investments in higher education in Nigeria’s history.

The initiative reflects Sterling Bank’s commitment to long-term, inclusive development, particularly within its HEART sectors—Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation—where the bank has already invested over ₦500 billion in various initiatives.

Sterling Bank CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, described the move as a forward-thinking investment in Nigeria’s future. “Progress is not a spectator sport,” Suleiman said. “While others talk about Nigeria’s potential, we are actively investing in it. These scholarships are not charity — they are direct investments in the architects of Nigeria’s future.”

The programme is open to applicants from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and is designed to support students pursuing degrees in critical growth sectors such as Technology, Finance, Sales, and Public Health.

Sterling Bank is promoting an inclusive, merit-based selection process that allows both self-nominations and third-party nominations. Final candidates will be selected via a public voting process open exclusively to Sterling Bank account holders.

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Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive at Sterling’s Retail and Consumer Banking Directorate, emphasized the inclusive nature of the project. “This is what inclusive investment looks like.

This initiative goes beyond education — it’s about unlocking access to a future of possibilities. Education remains the most valuable asset anyone can have, and we’re proud to stand with young Nigerians in securing that future.”

In its pilot phase, the Beyond Education programme will run in partnership with Miva University, a pioneering tech-driven private institution founded by entrepreneur Sim Shagaya.

Miva University is recognized for its flexible, affordable, and digitally-aligned learning model designed to meet the demands of today’s global and digital economy.

Sterling Bank says its investment marks a strategic shift from traditional corporate philanthropy toward ecosystem-wide development. “We’re moving beyond charity,” Suleiman noted.

“This is about building systems that last. Hundreds of scholarships are only the beginning. The real impact lies in what these students will go on to build for Nigeria.”

The bank is encouraging individuals and communities to nominate deserving candidates at [www.sterling.ng/FUTURE](http://www.sterling.ng/FUTURE), where applications are now open.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges in education access, youth employment, and economic inequality, Sterling’s Beyond Education programme offers a blueprint for meaningful corporate citizenship—where success is measured not only in profit margins, but in the number of lives transformed.

Reported by ThisDay