Sterling Bank has announced the first recipients of its N2bn Beyond Education Scholarship, a nationwide initiative designed to fund university education for 600 exceptional young Nigerians and connect them to future careers in high-impact sectors.
In a statement on Thursday, the bank said that the initiative reflected a major step in its commitment to long-term, inclusive national development through strategic investment in human capital.
The Beyond Education programme is built not just to provide scholarships but to create real-world pathways to employment and socio-economic mobility. It was launched in June 2025. The scheme fully covers undergraduate tuition at two forward-looking, accredited institutions: Miva Open University, Nigeria’s first licensed online private university, and Hillside University of Science & Technology, a STEM-centred campus in Ekiti State.
Beyond Education is intentionally designed to support Nigeria’s critical development agenda. It aligns with Sterling’s HEART strategy, an investment framework focused on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation.
“This is more than a scholarship. It’s a national development strategy. 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,” said Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling Bank, Obinna Ukachukwu.
The first 30 scholars were selected through a transparent, community-driven voting process open to Sterling Bank account holders. All nominees were thoroughly vetted to ensure they met admission requirements at the partner universities.
The inaugural winners are Abdulahi Afolabi, Damilare Tijani, Abdulwahab Eniafe, Abubakar Isah, Tahir Enesi Ibrahim, Julius Agbene Agbo, Chinedu Kelechi Patrick, Ayomide Ojo, Fyneseed Nwogu, Miracle Woyinmomoemi Daniel, Serene Clinton, Temiloluwa Orekunrin, Udeme Umoh, Victor Esogwa, Rosemary Kosipre, Ali Mohammed, Usman Isiaka Ololade, Kayode Aikulola, Saviour Philip, Ademola Afolabi, Emmanuel Enekwa, Bashir Sani Ibrahim, Ezekiel Adeseye, Deborah Umeaku, Abba Kaka Lawan, Haisam Sunusi Mahmuda, John Gumuan, Afan Ajiji, Bajepade Kehinde, and Chioma Igwe.
While the scholarship covers full tuition, recipients are responsible for associated costs such as internet access, learning materials, and living expenses, a structure designed for sustainability and scale.
With 570 scholarships still to be awarded, Sterling Bank says it remains committed to expanding access to quality education and helping shape a future-ready workforce for Nigeria.
