Sterling Bank has named the first thirty recipients of its ₦2 billion Beyond Education Fund, signalling the rollout of what the bank describes as its most ambitious education intervention to date.
The programme aims to support the university education of 600 outstanding young Nigerians and connect them to employment in high-impact sectors.
Speaking during the announcement in Lagos, Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling Bank, said the initiative goes beyond traditional scholarships.
“This is more than a scholarship. It’s a national development strategy,” Ukachukwu stated. “We’re closing the gap between education and employability. Our mission is to prepare young people for the future of work in sectors that matter most to Nigeria’s progress.”
The Beyond Education program, launched in June 2025, provides full tuition funding at two partner institutions: Miva Open University, Nigeria’s first licensed online private university, and Hillside University of Science & Technology (HUST), a STEM-focused institution in Ekiti State.
However, recipients are expected to cover additional costs such as learning materials, internet access, and living expenses. This model, the bank said, was developed to ensure sustainability and enable broader reach.
The first 30 scholars emerged from a community-driven nomination and voting process open exclusively to Sterling Bank account holders. Nominees were thoroughly screened to meet academic criteria before selection.
Sterling Bank said that the Beyond Education initiative is aligned with its HEART strategy, which focuses investments on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation—sectors identified as critical to Nigeria’s long-term development.
Ukachukwu said, “The goal is to build a talent pipeline for sectors that are vital to the country’s future. By linking education to national priorities, we are making a strategic investment in the country’s human capital.”
The bank confirmed that the nomination portal will temporarily close until September 2025, allowing time to evaluate the rollout and prepare for the next selection round. Meanwhile, voting remains open for existing nominees.
The Beyond Education Fund still has 570 scholarship slots to fill, and Sterling says it is committed to maintaining transparency and community involvement throughout the process.
Sterling Bank has built a reputation for its impact-focused initiatives and inclusive financial products. Through programs like Beyond Education, it is looking to play a more direct role in shaping Nigeria’s future workforce.
