Sterling Bank Unveils First Winners of ₦2 Billion ‘Beyond Education’ Scholarship Program
Sterling Bank has unveiled the first batch of beneficiaries for its groundbreaking ₦2 billion ‘Beyond Education’ Scholarship, a nationwide program aimed at empowering 600 outstanding Nigerian youth to pursue university education and seamlessly transition into high-impact sectors.
This milestone underscores Sterling Bank’s dedication to fostering inclusive national growth through strategic investment in human capital development.
More than just funding, the Beyond Education initiative aspires to forge direct pathways from academic achievement to meaningful employment and socio-economic advancement.
Since its launch in June 2025, the program represents the bank’s most extensive educational intervention to date. It fully funds undergraduate studies at two innovative institutions: Miva Open University, Nigeria’s pioneering licensed online university, and Hillside University of Science & Technology (HUST), a STEM-focused campus located in Ekiti State.
Distinct from traditional scholarship schemes, Beyond Education aligns with Sterling Bank’s HEART strategy—an investment framework prioritizing Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation—aimed at nurturing talent vital to Nigeria’s future development.
Obinna Ukachukwu, Sterling Bank’s Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking, remarked, “This is more than just scholarships; it’s a national development blueprint. We’re bridging the gap between education and employment, preparing Nigeria’s youth for the future of work in sectors that drive our progress.”
The first 30 scholars were selected through a transparent, community-involved voting process open to Sterling Bank account holders. All candidates underwent rigorous vetting to meet admission standards at partner universities.
The inaugural recipients include Abdulahi Afolabi, Damilare Tijani, Abdulwahab Eniafe, among others, totaling 30 students now set to benefit from the fully funded program.
While tuition costs are covered, recipients will manage expenses such as internet connectivity, learning materials, and living costs, fostering a sustainable model scalable for broader impact.
Nominations for the next selection phase will pause until September 2025, but voting remains open, and verified nominees are encouraged to continue community engagement as subsequent cohorts are finalized in the coming weeks.
With 570 scholarships still to be awarded, Sterling Bank reaffirms its commitment to expanding access to quality education and cultivating a future-ready Nigerian workforce.