Polaris Bank, in partnership with Evolve Charity Trust, has unveiled a youth empowerment initiative through the 2025 nationwide distribution of school essentials to 1,000 students across ten public secondary schools in five states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The programme forms part of the Bank’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to keep more children, especially the girl child, in school and improve educational outcomes.
Since 2021, Polaris Bank’s interventions have reached over 24,000 students in public schools across 49 locations, providing materials that enhance attendance, boost confidence, and support academic performance. This year’s beneficiaries received a comprehensive learning kit, including a school uniform, school bag, sandals, six exercise books, and writing pens.
To support local businesses, the Bank sourced uniforms from tailors, books from local bookshops, and sandals and bags from community traders across the beneficiary states, stimulating the local economy while empowering students.
Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the Bank’s five-year commitment to championing the education of Nigeria’s girl child. He described the materials as symbols of belief in students’ potential to become scholars, innovators, and future leaders.
School administrators praised the initiative for meeting urgent needs and easing the financial burden on families. Hajiya Aisha Shehu Yakasai, Principal of Government Girls Secondary School in Kundila, Kano, said the materials “meet real and urgent needs” and positively influence academic performance. Similarly, Madam Maji-Abu Omanyo Esther, Principal of Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, described the gesture as one that “brought joy” to students.
In Lagos, Mrs. Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo, Principal of Gbaja Girls Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, expressed gratitude for Polaris Bank’s “consistent yearly gesture,” assuring that the materials would be put to excellent use. Across all beneficiary states, Bank representatives encouraged students to make the best use of the resources and remain committed to their education.
Project Manager of Evolve Charity Trust, Mr. Godwin Ejeh, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, noting that “investing in a child’s education lights a candle that brightens entire communities.”
The 2025 distribution covered Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila, Kano; Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja; Government Junior Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, Abuja; Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, Kogi State; National High School, Arondizuogu, Imo State; Iheme Memorial Secondary School, Iheme, Imo State; Akokwa High School, Akokwa, Imo State; Opebi Junior Grammar School, Opebi, Lagos; Gbaja Girls Junior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos; and Gbaja Girls Senior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality, by promoting inclusive access to education and reducing barriers that keep girls out of school. Polaris Bank affirmed its continued commitment to partnering with credible development organisations to deliver sustainable educational impact across Nigeria.
