Sterling Bank has significantly reinforced its commitment to Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement by expanding its ‘Beyond Education’ initiative. Following an earlier announcement of a ₦2 billion scholarship fund designated for 600 young Nigerians, the bank has now introduced a crucial new dimension: offering paid internships and guaranteed jobs for selected scholarship beneficiaries. This strategic addition underscores Sterling Bank’s profound belief that education should extend far beyond the acquisition of a certificate, aiming instead to bridge the gap between academic learning and tangible career opportunities.

Through this enhanced initiative, graduates will gain invaluable hands-on experience across various critical business functions, including banking operations, cutting-edge technology, customer service, and rigorous risk management. Interns are set to receive competitive stipends, undergo structured formal training, and benefit from direct mentorship and collaboration with senior leaders within the organization. This comprehensive approach is designed to cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals and problem-solvers, equipping them to lead, innovate, and transform the nation.

Sterling Bank’s purposeful engagement in national development is deeply rooted in its “HEART” strategy, which focuses on targeted investments in Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. These impactful initiatives have already reached over 30 million Nigerians, effectively addressing vital service gaps across the country. From deploying smart health booths in remote communities and implementing digital upgrades in public schools to establishing robust farm support systems, delivering rural energy solutions, and developing electric mobility infrastructure, Sterling Bank consistently deploys its capital for maximum social and economic impact.

The ‘Beyond Education’ campaign, launched on Democracy Day, continues to garner widespread resonance across Nigeria. The selection process for scholarship nominees is meticulously managed through an open and transparent system, led by community members and existing Sterling Bank customers, ensuring representation from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The first batch of scholarship award letters is scheduled for issuance this month, with recipients anticipated to commence their academic pursuits by September.

Abubakar Suleiman, the CEO of Sterling Bank, articulated the core philosophy behind the initiative, stating, “Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people, and our responsibility is to equip them to lead, innovate, and transform. With this initiative, we have created a launchpad for the next generation of builders and problem solvers. This is the work that moves a nation forward. This is the path we have deliberately chosen as an institution.”

Sterling Bank’s dedication to achieving real-world impact is seamlessly integrated into its retail strategy. A testament to this is its pioneering move in April, becoming the first Nigerian bank to abolish transfer fees for individual customers, which has already resulted in collective savings exceeding ₦600 million within just three months. Furthermore, the bank’s ‘AlwaysOn’ initiative reinforces this commitment by providing eligible customers with instant access to a ₦1,000,000 cash advance, offering a crucial and stress-free financial cushion during times of need.

Today, Sterling Bank stands as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished financial institutions, driven by a mission that transcends mere profit. It operates at the nexus of finance and national progress, continually setting the benchmark for purposeful leadership and corporate responsibility. In a bid to amplify its impact, Sterling Bank is now extending an invitation to other forward-thinking companies across all industries to collaborate in this endeavor by offering internships, jobs, or mentorship opportunities to these deserving scholarship recipients, thereby collectively shaping a more inclusive and productive future for Nigeria.