An initiative to provide funding support to young Nigerians studying at private universities in Nigeria has been introduced by Sterling Bank.
The financial institution is offering N2 billion under a scheme known as Beyond Education.
Sterling Bank explained that it came up with this programme to build the country’s future leaders by dismantling the barriers that keep millions of Nigerians from accessing quality, future-focused learning.
It reflects the lender’s advocacy for organisations to shift from short-term philanthropy to long-term ecosystem development.
The Sterling Beyond Education programme will fully sponsor 600 students to study high-impact fields such as Technology, Finance, Sales, and Public Health.
It is open to young Nigerians from all 36 states and the FCT, with a merit-based and inclusive admissions process.
Candidates can nominate themselves or be nominated by others, and final selection will be determined through a public voting process open exclusively to Sterling account holders.
The pilot scheme is in partnership with Miva University, founded by renowned tech entrepreneur, Mr Sim Shagaya.
Fully accredited by the National Universities Commission, Miva is redefining higher education in Africa with scalable, affordable, and flexible programs tailored to the demands of the digital economy.
The chief executive of Sterling Bank, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, said, “Progress is not a spectator sport. While others talk about Nigeria’s potential, we are actively investing in it.
“These scholarships are direct investments in the architects of our future. We are funding the education of future leaders who will build the companies, systems, institutions and solutions Nigeria needs to thrive.”
“We’re moving beyond charity. This is about building systems that last and it is much bigger than hundreds of scholarships. It’s about the future those brilliant young minds will build for our country,” he added.
Also commenting, the Growth Executive for Retail and Consumer Banking Directorate at Sterling Bank, Obinna Ukachukwu, said, “This is what inclusive investment looks like.
“This initiative goes beyond access to education, it’s access to a future. Education remains the most valuable asset anyone can have, and we’re proud to stand behind young Nigerians as they claim it.”