csrreporters 
Sterling Bank has unveiled the first 30 recipients of its N2 billion Beyond Education Scholarship, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at funding university education for 600 outstanding young Nigerians while equipping them for careers in Nigeria’s most critical sectors.
In a statement released on Thursday, the bank described the programme as a strategic investment in human capital, aligned with its broader vision for inclusive, long-term national development.
Launched in June 2025, the Beyond Education Scholarship does more than cover university tuition—it is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and employability, creating real-world pathways to employment and socio-economic advancement.
The fully-funded undergraduate scholarships are available at two forward-thinking institutions:
- Miva Open University, Nigeria’s first licensed online private university, and
- Hillside University of Science & Technology, a STEM-focused campus located in Ekiti State.
The initiative supports Nigeria’s development priorities and aligns with Sterling Bank’s HEART strategy, which focuses on investment in 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,” said Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling Bank. “Our mission is to prepare young people for the future of work in sectors that matter most to Nigeria’s progress.”
The first 30 beneficiaries were chosen through a transparent, community-driven nomination and voting process, open to Sterling Bank account holders. All nominees were rigorously vetted to ensure they met admission criteria at the partner universities.
Inaugural recipients include:
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 fully covers tuition, beneficiaries are responsible for other costs such as internet access, study materials, and living expenses—part of a sustainability model designed to support long-term scalability.
With 570 scholarship slots still open, Sterling Bank reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality education and nurturing a future-ready workforce equipped to drive Nigeria’s transformation.
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