By JKNewsMedia
COLLABORATION BETWEEN Polaris Bank and Evolve Charity Trust has resulted in the distribution of school essentials to 1,000 students in ten public secondary schools across five states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A release by the bank states that the 2025 exercise forms part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to support education and keep more children, particularly the girl child, in school.
It says the initiative builds on a programme that has benefited more than 24,000 students in public schools across 49 locations since 2021.
This year’s recipients received a complete learning kit comprising a school uniform, school bag, a pair of sandals, six exercise books and pens.
School authorities noted that the materials continue to improve attendance, boost confidence and support academic performance.
Polaris Bank also said it sourced the materials locally, purchasing uniforms from tailors, books from bookshops and sandals and bags from community traders adding that this approach provided additional support to small businesses within the beneficiary states.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the Bank’s five-year commitment to champion the education of Nigeria’s girl child.
He described the distribution of materials as “symbols of belief in the students’ potential to become scholars, innovators and future leaders.”
School administrators expressed gratitude for the timely support, highlighting that the essentials meet real and urgent needs, ease family burdens and positively influence academic performance.
Many beneficiaries come from homes where parents cannot afford these items, and the gesture has restored pride among students.
The bank’s representatives reiterated their commitment to improving access to education, promoting quality learning and encouraging students to make the best use of the materials while remaining committed to success.
The 2025 distribution covered Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila, Kano; Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja; Government Junior Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, Abuja; Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, Kogi State; National High School, Arondizuogu, Imo State; Iheme Memorial Secondary School, Iheme, Imo State; Akokwa High School, Akokwa, Imo State; Opebi Junior Grammar School, Opebi, Lagos; Gbaja Girls Junior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos; and Gbaja Girls Senior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos.
Hajiya Aisha Shehu Yakasai, Principal of Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila, Kano, said the essentials “meet real and urgent needs” and have eased the burden on families. Madam Maji-Abu Omanyo Esther, Principal of Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, described the gesture as one that “brought joy and will positively impact academic performance.”
Mrs. Erdoo Lortyom, Vice Principal at Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja, commended the Bank for restoring pride among beneficiaries, noting that many students come from homes where parents cannot afford these items. Mrs. Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo, Principal of Gbaja Girls Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Surulere, thanked Polaris Bank for its “consistent yearly gesture” and assured that the materials would be put to excellent use.
In Kano, Branch Head Madiebo Godwin reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to “championing access to quality learning,” while in Lokoja, Business Development Manager David Ojonugwa encouraged students to “make the best use of the materials and stay committed to success.” In Imo State, Business Development Manager Peter Nnamani urged students to aim high, noting that every career dream “begins with dedication in school.”
Project Manager of Evolve Charity Trust, Godwin Ejeh, described investing in a child’s education as an act that “lights a candle that brightens entire communities,” highlighting the positive ripple effects observed across states visited during the distribution.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality, by promoting inclusive access to education and reducing gender-based barriers that prevent girls from attending school.
Polaris Bank confirmed its continued commitment to partnering with credible development organisations to deliver sustainable educational impact across Nigeria.
