...600 Fully-Funded Slots Open Nationwide Through ‘Beyond Education’ Initiative
Sterling Bank, Nigeria’s most forward-thinking financial institution, has announced a groundbreaking ₦2 billion commitment to provide fully-funded private university scholarships for young Nigerians.
Unveiled on Democracy Day, the initiative — titled Beyond Education — marks a bold step in nurturing future leaders by removing financial barriers to high-quality, future-focused tertiary education.
This represents one of the largest private sector investments in a single Nigerian tertiary institution, reinforcing Sterling’s long-standing commitment to the HEART sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. To date, the bank has deployed over ₦500 billion in financing and development programmes across these areas.
“Progress is not a spectator sport,” said Abubakar Suleiman, Chief Executive of Sterling Bank.
“While others talk about Nigeria’s potential, we are actively investing in it. These scholarships are direct investments in the architects of our future — the future leaders who will build the companies, systems, institutions, and solutions Nigeria needs to thrive.”
The Beyond Education programme will fully sponsor 600 students to study in-demand fields such as Technology, Finance, Sales, and Public Health. Open to candidates from all 36 states and the FCT, the programme features a merit-based and inclusive admissions process.
Eligible young Nigerians may apply or be nominated by others, and the final selection will be determined through a public voting process, open exclusively to Sterling account holders.
“This is what inclusive investment looks like,” said Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive leading the Retail & Consumer Banking Directorate at Sterling Bank.
“This initiative goes beyond access to education — it’s access to a future. Education remains the most valuable asset anyone can have, and we’re proud to support young Nigerians as they claim it.”
The pilot programme is in partnership with Miva University, a private institution founded by renowned tech entrepreneur Sim Shagaya. Fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), Miva offers scalable, affordable, and flexible programs tailored to the demands of today’s digital economy.
The initiative also underscores Sterling’s call for a shift from short-term philanthropy to long-term ecosystem development. Through deep investments in digitised healthcare, school financing, agricultural cooperatives, solar energy, and low-cost transport systems, the bank is building inclusive pathways to national prosperity.
“We’re moving beyond charity,” added Suleiman.
“This is about building systems that last. And it’s much bigger than hundreds of scholarships — it’s about the future these brilliant young minds will create for our country.”
Nominations are now open at www.sterling.ng/FUTURE. As Africa’s youth population continues to grow, Sterling’s Beyond Education may well define a new model of private sector leadership — one where impact is measured not just in profit, but in lives empowered.