Sterling Bank has announced a significant commitment exceeding N2 billion to fund private university scholarships for young Nigerians. Unveiled on Democracy Day, this initiative, titled "Beyond Education," marks a decisive step towards cultivating the nation's future leaders by actively removing the barriers that prevent millions of Nigerians from accessing high-quality, forward-looking education.

This substantial investment stands as one of the largest private sector contributions ever directed towards a single Nigerian tertiary institution. It further extends Sterling Bank's long-standing dedication to its identified HEART sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation, areas where the bank has already deployed over half a trillion naira in financing and development programs.

Abubakar Suleiman, Chief Executive of Sterling Bank, emphasized the bank's proactive stance, stating, “While others talk about Nigeria’s potential, we are actively investing in it. These scholarships are direct investments in the architects of our future. We are funding the education of future leaders who will build the companies, systems, institutions and solutions Nigeria needs to thrive.”

The Sterling Beyond Education program is designed to fully sponsor 600 students, enabling them to pursue studies in high-impact fields such as Technology, Finance, Sales, and Public Health. The program is accessible to young Nigerians from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), featuring a merit-based and inclusive admissions process. Candidates have the flexibility to nominate themselves or be nominated by others, with the final selection determined through a public voting process exclusively open to Sterling account holders.

Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive leading the Retail & Consumer Banking Directorate at Sterling Bank, highlighted the inclusive nature of the 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.”

Suleiman further elaborated that the pilot program is being executed in partnership with Miva University, an institution founded by renowned tech entrepreneur Sim Shagaya. Miva University, fully accredited by the National Universities Commission, is recognized for redefining higher education in Africa through scalable, affordable, and flexible programs specifically tailored to meet the demands of the digital economy.

This program also underscores Sterling Bank’s broader advocacy for organizations to transition from short-term philanthropy to long-term ecosystem development. Through deep investments in digitized healthcare, school financing, agricultural cooperatives, solar energy, and low-cost transport systems, Sterling Bank is actively constructing pathways to inclusive prosperity. Suleiman concluded, “We’re moving beyond charity. This is about building systems that last and it is much bigger than hundreds of scholarships. It’s about the future those brilliant young minds will build for our country.”