Sterling Bank has launched a ₦2 billion scholarship initiative titled Beyond Education, aimed at empowering 600 young Nigerians studying in private universities across the country. The announcement was made on Democracy Day, marking a significant private-sector move to support youth education and long-term national development.
Described as the largest private sector investment in a single Nigerian tertiary institution, the initiative seeks to eliminate financial barriers that prevent many Nigerians from accessing quality and future-oriented learning. The programme will fully sponsor students to pursue studies in high-impact fields such as technology, finance, sales, and public health.
Sterling Bank CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, explained that the programme goes far beyond philanthropy. “Progress is not a spectator sport. While others talk about Nigeria’s potential, we are actively investing in it,” Suleiman said. “These scholarships are direct investments in the architects of our future, those who will build the companies, institutions, and systems needed to move Nigeria forward.”
He emphasised that the initiative reflects Sterling’s larger vision of ecosystem development, not just isolated charitable giving. “This is about building systems that last. It’s much bigger than hundreds of scholarships, it’s about the future those brilliant young minds will build for our country,” he added.
The Beyond Education programme is open to Nigerians in all 36 states and the FCT. Selection will follow a merit-based admissions process, with an inclusive nomination system allowing candidates to nominate themselves or be nominated by others. The final selection of recipients will be determined through a public voting process open exclusively to Sterling Bank account holders.
Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive leading the Retail and Consumer Banking Directorate at Sterling Bank, described the effort as a bold step toward inclusive investment. “This initiative goes beyond access to education—it’s access to a future. Education remains the most valuable asset anyone can have, and we’re proud to stand behind young Nigerians as they claim it,” he said.
The pilot phase of the programme will be carried out in partnership with Miva University, an accredited private institution founded by tech entrepreneur Sim Shagaya. The university, approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), is positioned to provide high-quality education that aligns with Nigeria’s digital and economic transformation.
Sterling Bank’s Beyond Education scholarship underscores a growing recognition of the role private institutions and corporate stakeholders must play in bridging the education gap and preparing the next generation of leaders in Nigeria.
