Bank hunts for young science, maths talents in South-East

Sterling Bank has expanded its search for young talents in science and mathematics to the South-East region with a new regional Olympiad designed to identify and nurture exceptional students.

The South-East Mathematics and Science Olympiad, being delivered in partnership with Educare, was announced at a signing ceremony at the bank’s headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

The bank said the initiative aims to create a platform for students to test their knowledge beyond classroom assessments, sharpen their analytical and problem-solving skills, and compete with peers across the region.

It comes as Nigeria’s school-age population continues to grow. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) 2026 report on public finance for basic education, the population of Nigerian children is expected to increase to about 130 million by 2034, increasing demand for quality education opportunities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Growth Officer at Sterling Bank, Edward Ogunmekan, said the competition was about creating opportunities for existing talent.

“We have seen Nigerian children go out into the world and achieve extraordinary things. That tells us that what is missing is not talent, but opportunity. A platform like the South East Olympiad provides that opportunity, and that is why we are here,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Educare, Alex Onyia, said the partnership underscored the importance of private-sector participation in educational development.

“If you care about educating the next generation, it means you genuinely care about the country that gives you the opportunity to do business. That is what makes this partnership with Sterling Bank particularly meaningful,” he said.

Group Head, Education Finance at Sterling Bank, Yonodu Okeugo, said the competition is about inspiring excellence, identifying the schools and institutions nurturing exceptional talents, understanding what they are doing differently and finding ways to replicate those successes across Nigeria and beyond.

The South East Olympiad builds on the existing Sterling Online Maths Quiz Competition being run with Educare, which has provided students across the country with opportunities to compete.