Sterling Bank has announced the first 30 recipients of its ₦2 billion *Beyond Education* Scholarship, a nationwide initiative aimed at fully funding the university education of 600 outstanding young Nigerians while connecting them to future careers in critical growth sectors.
The programme, launched in June 2025, marks the Bank’s most ambitious education-focused intervention yet and reflects its long-term commitment to building human capital as a driver of inclusive national development. Unlike conventional scholarship schemes, *Beyond Education* is designed not only to pay tuition but also to create a direct pipeline from classrooms to high-impact employment.
“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 scholarship fully covers undergraduate tuition at two partner institutions: Miva Open University, the country’s first licensed online private university, and Hillside University of Science & Technology (HUST), a STEM-focused campus in Ekiti State. These choices align with Sterling’s HEART strategy, which channels investment into Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation—sectors the Bank considers vital to Nigeria’s future.
The inaugural 30 scholars were selected through a transparent, community-driven voting process open to Sterling Bank account holders, followed by rigorous vetting to confirm their eligibility for admission. The winners are: 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 tuition is fully covered, beneficiaries are expected to bear the cost of internet access, learning materials, and living expenses—an approach the Bank says will ensure the programme’s sustainability and scalability.
Nominations for the next cohort will pause until September 2025 to allow for efficient rollout, but voting remains open for already verified nominees. Sterling Bank will select the next group of scholars in the coming weeks, leaving 570 scholarships still to be awarded.
With *Beyond Education*, Sterling Bank aims to do more than finance degrees; it intends to shape a future-ready workforce that will help power Nigeria’s economic transformation.