By JKNewsMedia
THIRTY EXCEPTIONAL young Nigerians have been named as the first recipients of Sterling Bank’s N2billion Beyond Education Scholarship, a nationwide initiative launched to fund university education for 600 students and connect them to careers in key development sectors.
The Bank said the programme represents a strategic investment in human capital to drive long-term national growth.
Launched in June 2025, Beyond Education is the bank’s largest education-focused intervention, covering full undergraduate tuition at Miva Open University, Nigeria’s first licensed private online university, and Hillside University of Science & Technology (HUST), a STEM-focused institution in Ekiti State.
The bank stated that the scheme is designed not only to finance education but also to create pathways to employment, aligning with its HEART strategy, which prioritises Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation.
“This is more than a scholarship. It’s a national development strategy,” said Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling Bank.
“We’re closing the gap between education and employability. Our mission is to prepare young people for the future of work in sectors that matter most to Nigeria’s progress.”
The inaugural beneficiaries were chosen through a transparent, community-driven voting process open to Sterling Bank account holders. All nominees were vetted to meet admission requirements at the partner universities.
The 30 awardees 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.
The bank also confirmed that while tuition is fully covered, students will bear associated costs such as internet access, learning materials, and living expenses.
It further announces that nominations for the next intake will resume in September 2025, while voting remains open for verified nominees.
With 570 scholarships still available, the bank reiterated its commitment to expanding access to quality education and building a future-ready Nigerian workforce.
