By Ayomide Otitoju
Access Bank UK, Fifth Chukker, UNICEF and the Kaduna State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding access to quality education for vulnerable children in Nigeria, highlighting the impact of their long-standing partnership at the Access UK Polo Day in London.
Hosted by Access Bank UK, the event celebrated more than 15 years of collaboration aimed at improving educational opportunities for underserved children through the Access Bank Fifth Chukker School and related interventions in Kaduna State.
According to the organisers, the initiative has positively impacted more than 14,000 children across underserved communities in Northern Nigeria, evolving from a modest project into one of Africa’s leading education programmes.
The Access Bank Fifth Chukker School has continued to strengthen educational outcomes through investments in infrastructure, learning resources and student support. Between 2018 and 2026, the school produced 2,538 graduates, with girls accounting for more than 54 per cent of the total, reflecting its commitment to promoting inclusive education.
The organisers said more than 1,000 pupils benefit annually from the school’s foundational learning programme, which has contributed to improved literacy and numeracy, while students continue to secure admission into leading secondary schools. Teachers also receive ongoing professional development and digital learning support.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, described education as the greatest equaliser and said the initiative had grown from supporting 100 children to transforming the lives of more than 14,000.
He expressed appreciation to donors and partners for their continued support, noting that investment in education creates lasting benefits for future generations.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani commended the partnership between Access Bank, Fifth Chukker and UNICEF, describing education as one of the most valuable investments any society can make.
He disclosed that about 300,000 out-of-school children had returned to classrooms in Kaduna State over the past year through collaborations with UNICEF and other development partners.
The governor also announced plans to construct an additional 120 classrooms at the Access Bank Fifth Chukker UNICEF School to expand access to quality education for more children.
Sani paid tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe for his vision and commitment to improving educational opportunities for underserved communities.
Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said the initiative’s success should be measured by the opportunities created for children and communities rather than physical infrastructure alone.
He noted that the partnership continues to demonstrate how collaboration between the private sector, government and development partners can create lasting social impact.
Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, described the event as “polo with purpose,” saying it reflected a shared commitment to creating opportunities for underserved children through education.
The event ended with stakeholders renewing their commitment to increasing investment in education as a driver of national development and social progress, while reaffirming support for the continued growth of the Access Bank Fifth Chukker School in Kaduna State.
