Polaris Bank Boosts Youth Financial Literacy with School Training in Katsina
Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, financial inclusion, and fostering a financially responsible generation, Polaris Bank Limited hosted an engaging Financial Literacy Day at Community Day Secondary School, Tsaski Yan’albasa, in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State. The event took place on 9 June 2026 and was part of the Bank’s activities honouring Global Money Week (GMW).
The interactive programme reached 90 students and 10 teachers, providing practical insights into savings, budgeting, responsible spending, banking fundamentals, setting financial goals, peer influence, and making informed decisions from an early age. This initiative is part of Polaris Bank’s continuous participation in Global Money Week, a worldwide campaign aimed at equipping young people with essential knowledge about money management, savings, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic citizenship — aligning with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) financial inclusion objectives.
Mr. Kayode Lawal, Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, highlighted the importance of initiatives such as these: “At Polaris Bank, we believe financial literacy is one of the most important foundations for building a responsible and economically empowered generation. When young people understand the value of savings, budgeting, and responsible financial choices early in life, they are better positioned to manage opportunities, avoid poor money decisions, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
He further emphasised the Bank’s dedication to financial inclusion, youth development, and community impact: “For us, this is not just about teaching students how to save money. It is about helping them understand the relationship between discipline, planning, financial responsibility, and future success. We will continue to support platforms that take financial education closer to young people, especially in communities where early exposure can make a lasting difference.”
The session at the Polaris CEO-adopted school featured expert-led modules, beginning with an overview of Global Money Week and the importance of cultivating a strong savings culture, presented by Mr. Patrick Sule. Topics included the role of the CBN in the financial sector, financial discipline, goal-setting, and smart spending habits.
Further discussions focused on banking essentials and managing peer influence, demonstrating how banks assist individuals in protecting, managing, and growing their money, while encouraging young people to make independent and responsible financial choices amid social pressures. Another segment addressed financial responsibility and legitimate ways for young people to earn and manage money, emphasising that developing sound financial habits early can significantly support personal and educational objectives.
Representing the Polaris Bank MD/CEO at the outreach, Mr. Dahiru Tukur, Group Head of the Kano Group, delivered regulatory insights in accessible terms and led an engaging “Smart Money Talk” session to reinforce key lessons from the day.
“The decisions you make with money today, no matter how small, can shape your future. Learning how to save, spend wisely and avoid negative financial pressure is a major step toward becoming responsible and independent adults. Polaris Bank is proud to be part of this journey with you,” he stated.
To link theory with practice, the programme introduced the Polaris Young Achievers account, explaining its benefits for fostering early savings habits, along with account-opening requirements and suitable product options. The event concluded with a lively question-and-answer (Q&A) segment, where students showed keen interest, followed by the distribution of branded gifts to reinforce the learning.
Samaila Umar Sanda, Principal of Community Day Secondary School, praised the Bank’s practical approach: “Programmes like this help students connect classroom learning with real-life financial decisions. By engaging them early, Polaris Bank is helping to build a generation that understands money, values savings, and can make better economic choices. We are grateful to Polaris Bank for bringing this important programme to our school. The lessons shared today are practical and timely. Our students have learnt that money management starts with discipline, planning, and the right attitude.”
This initiative underscores Polaris Bank’s commitment as a responsible corporate citizen dedicated to education, youth development, financial inclusion, and sustainable community impact. Through Global Money Week and similar projects, the Bank continues to support national efforts to equip young Nigerians with vital skills for informed financial decisions and active participation in the formal economy.
The programme aligns with Polaris Bank’s adherence to the UNEP-FI (United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative) Principles for Responsible Banking, especially Principle 3 (Clients & Customers) and its commitment to financial health and inclusion. By promoting financial literacy among young people, the Bank aims to foster universal financial inclusion, build financial resilience, and contribute to a healthier, more empowered society.