By Ayomide Otitoju
Sterling Bank has unveiled a N2 billion scholarship programme aimed at supporting 600 young Nigerians studying in private universities, in what the bank described as the largest private sector investment in a single Nigerian tertiary institution.
According to the bank’s CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, the initiative—under the Sterling Beyond Education programme—targets future leaders in key fields including technology, finance, public health, and sales.
“While others talk about Nigeria’s potential, we are actively investing in it. These scholarships are direct investments in the architects of our future,” Suleiman said in a statement on Friday.
The programme is open to youths from all 36 states and the FCT. Candidates can apply or be nominated, with final selections determined through a public voting process open to Sterling account holders.
Obinna Ukachukwu, the bank’s Growth Executive, described the initiative as a long-term commitment to building sustainable systems.
“This goes beyond access to education; it’s access to a future,” he said.
The pilot phase is in collaboration with Miva University, an NUC-accredited institution founded by tech entrepreneur Sim Shagaya.
