Sterling Bank Awards First 30 Scholarships in N2bn Beyond Education Programme

Sterling Bank has announced the first group of recipients for its N2 billion Beyond Education Scholarship, a nationwide initiative aimed at sponsoring university education for 600 outstanding Nigerian youths and preparing them for careers in critical sectors.

In a statement released on Thursday, the bank described the programme as a major step toward inclusive national development, rooted in strategic human capital investment.

Launched in June 2025, the Beyond Education programme offers more than just tuition support. It is designed to create tangible career pathways for young Nigerians by equipping them with education and skills aligned with the country’s developmental priorities. The scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition at two innovative institutions:

• Miva Open University, Nigeria’s first licensed online private university, and

• Hillside University of Science & Technology, a STEM-focused campus located in Ekiti State.

The initiative aligns with Sterling’s HEART strategy, which channels investment into five key sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation.

“This isn’t just a scholarship—it’s part of a broader national development agenda. We’re bridging the gap between education and employability,” said Obinna Ukachukwu, Sterling Bank’s Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking. “Our goal is to equip young people for careers in sectors vital to Nigeria’s future.”

The first 30 awardees were chosen through a transparent, community-led voting process that involved Sterling Bank account holders. Each nominee was vetted to ensure they met academic requirements for admission into the partner universities.

The inaugural beneficiaries include:
Abdulahi Afolabi, Damilare Tijani, Abdulwahab Eniafe, Abubakar Isah, Tahir Enesi Ibrahim, Julius Agbene Agbo, Chinedu Kelechi Patrick, Ayomide Ojo, Fyneseed Nwogu, Miracle Woyinmomoemi Daniel, Serene Clinton, Temiloluwa Orekunrin, Udeme Umoh, Victor Esogwa, Rosemary Kosipre, Ali Mohammed, Usman Isiaka Ololade, Kayode Aikulola, Saviour Philip, Ademola Afolabi, Emmanuel Enekwa, Bashir Sani Ibrahim, Ezekiel Adeseye, Deborah Umeaku, Abba Kaka Lawan, Haisam Sunusi Mahmuda, John Gumuan, Afan Ajiji, Bajepade Kehinde, and Chioma Igwe.

While the scholarship covers the full cost of tuition, recipients are expected to cover related expenses such as internet access, learning materials, and living costs—a model designed to ensure scalability and sustainability.

With 570 scholarships yet to be awarded, Sterling Bank reaffirmed its commitment to broadening access to quality higher education and building a future-ready Nigerian workforce.