By JKNewsMedia
COMMITMENT TO improve access to quality education for Nigerian students gained momentum as Polaris Bank, in collaboration with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partner, Evolve Trust Charity, distributed school essentials to students at Gbaja Girls (Junior and Senior) High School in Surulere, Lagos.
The initiative is part of a sustained nationwide campaign to equip students with educational materials while fostering empowerment, particularly for the girl-child.
Launched in 2021, the partnership between Polaris Bank and Evolve Trust Charity has impacted over 15,000 students across 35 public schools in nine states, including Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Imo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The intervention goes beyond distributing school bags, uniforms, sandals, books, and pens, incorporating brain training techniques, emotional intelligence education, and teacher training—all fully funded by the bank.
During the latest presentation, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Abimbola Ozomah, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to reducing educational inequality.
She highlighted the bank’s alignment with the United Nations’ (UN) Principles for Responsible Banking, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Paris Climate Agreement, reinforcing its role in empowering young learners.
“This event is not just about distributing materials; it is about empowering girls for bigger roles.
“Educated girls grow into informed women who contribute significantly to society. Polaris Bank is committed to bridging the education gap and building sustainability,” Ozomah stated.
Citing data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), she noted that Nigeria has about 10.5 million out-of-school children, with six million of them being girls.
She urged students to seize educational opportunities, assuring them of Polaris Bank’s unwavering support.
“Education is the most powerful tool at your disposal. Polaris Bank will continue supporting this mission to empower girls who will drive change in our country and the world. This intervention aligns with our sustainability efforts to reduce the out-of-school population and increase access to quality education,” Ozomah added.
Programme Manager at Evolve Trust Charity, Ejeh Godwin, acknowledged Polaris Bank’s crucial role in expanding the initiative.
He recalled that while Evolve Trust Charity launched the programme in 2020, the bank joined in 2021 and has since remained a steadfast partner.
“We couldn’t have come this far without Polaris Bank’s support. They have been instrumental in broadening our reach, and we hope to include even more schools in other states this year,” Godwin said.
Gbaja Girls Junior High School Principal, Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school, acknowledging the positive impact on students and staff morale.
“The energy in the hall today speaks volumes. Our students are excited, and so are the staff.
“This initiative has truly boosted our morale, and we deeply appreciate Polaris Bank for including us,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Bankole Oreofeoluwa Emmanuella, who serves as the school’s Assistant Senior Girl, expressed her appreciation while pledging to make good use of the donated items.
“My friends and I are incredibly grateful to Polaris Bank. These items will ease our learning, and we promise to put them to good use while maintaining them properly,” Bankole remarked.
The event concluded with the official presentation of educational materials to students, reaffirming Polaris Bank’s dedication to fostering education and youth empowerment across Nigeria.
