In a landmark move to empower Nigeria’s next generation of leaders, Sterling Bank has announced a ₦2 billion investment in fully-funded scholarships for young Nigerians to attend private universities.
The initiative, titled Beyond Education, was launched on Democracy Day as a strategic step towards dismantling barriers to quality education and fostering inclusive access to future-focused learning.
Described as one of the most significant private-sector investments in a single Nigerian tertiary institution, the initiative aligns with Sterling Bank’s HEART strategy, Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation, under which the bank has committed over half a trillion naira in developmental financing.
According to the bank’s Chief Executive, Abubakar Suleiman, the program is a deliberate investment in the future of the nation. “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,” he stated.
The Beyond Education program will fully sponsor 600 young Nigerians from across the 36 states and the FCT to pursue high-impact fields such as Technology, Finance, Sales, and Public Health.
The selection process is merit-based and inclusive, allowing for self-nominations or third-party nominations.
Final beneficiaries will be chosen through a transparent public voting process open exclusively to Sterling Bank account holders.
“This is what inclusive investment looks like,” remarked Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for the Retail & Consumer Banking Directorate at Sterling Bank.
“This initiative goes beyond education; it offers access to a future. Education remains the most valuable asset anyone can possess, and we’re proud to back young Nigerians in claiming it.”
The pilot phase of the initiative will be implemented in partnership with Miva University, a tech-forward institution founded by entrepreneur Sim Shagaya. Miva, accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), is known for its scalable and affordable digital education programs tailored to Africa’s evolving workforce needs.
Beyond scholarships, the initiative reflects Sterling Bank’s broader vision for sustainable ecosystem development.
With deep investments across digitised healthcare, school financing, agri-cooperatives, solar energy, and low-cost transport systems, the bank continues to champion long-term, systemic solutions over short-term philanthropy.
“We’re moving beyond charity,” Suleiman added. “It’s about building systems that last, and it’s much bigger than hundreds of scholarships. It’s about the future those brilliant young minds will create for Nigeria.”
Nominations are currently open at www.sterling.ng/FUTURE, inviting participation from across the country.
As Africa’s youth population continues to rise, Sterling Bank’s Beyond Education initiative may serve as a blueprint for how the private sector can lead in shaping a prosperous and inclusive future.
About Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank is one of Nigeria’s most progressive commercial banks, celebrated for its bold customer-focused strategies and commitment to ethical banking.
With innovations such as eliminating local transfer fees via its OneBank platform and driving inclusive access to finance, Sterling continues to push the boundaries of traditional banking.
Its HEART strategy remains central to its mission of enabling dignity, mobility, and opportunity for millions across Nigeria.
