By Charles Pemu 
Sterling Bank has once again demonstrated its commitment to national development by expanding its ₦2 billion Beyond Education initiative, designed to empower young Nigerians through not just financial support, but real career pathways. The initiative, which initially focused on providing scholarships to 600 deserving students across Nigeria, now includes paid internships and guaranteed job opportunities for top-performing beneficiaries.
This evolution of the programme reflects Sterling’s conviction that true education extends beyond the classroom. By integrating work experience and employment into the initiative, the bank is creating a seamless bridge from academic training to meaningful career opportunities. Selected interns will be placed in key departments—including banking, customer service, risk management, and technology—and will receive competitive stipends alongside formal training and mentorship from senior executives.
Speaking on the expansion, Sterling Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Suleiman, stated that Nigeria’s most valuable resource is its people. According to him, equipping them with the tools to lead, innovate and transform is not just a corporate responsibility but a national imperative. He described the Beyond Education programme as a platform for building the next generation of builders and problem-solvers, adding that “this is the work that moves a nation forward.”
Since its launch on Democracy Day, the Beyond Education campaign has gained national attention. Scholarship awardees are being selected through a transparent, community-led nomination process across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The first batch of award letters is expected to be issued before the end of June, with recipients set to commence academic activities in September.
Sterling Bank’s move marks a significant shift in how financial institutions approach corporate social responsibility. Rather than offering one-time support, the bank is building long-term, systemic solutions. By embedding employment pathways into its scholarship programme, it ensures that beneficiaries are not only educated but also equipped to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
This initiative is an extension of the bank’s broader HEART strategy, which focuses investment in five critical sectors—Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Transportation. Through this approach, Sterling Bank has touched the lives of over 30 million Nigerians, delivering solutions that range from digital classrooms and smart health booths in remote areas, to rural electrification and electric vehicle infrastructure.
In addition to its educational efforts, the bank has introduced groundbreaking consumer policies. In April, Sterling became the first Nigerian bank to completely eliminate transfer fees for individual customers. Within just three months, this policy delivered more than ₦600 million in savings to users. Through its AlwaysOn initiative, the bank also provides instant access to up to ₦1 million in cash advances for eligible customers, offering a reliable financial cushion during emergencies.
Beyond its internal efforts, Sterling is extending an invitation to other companies and institutions to collaborate by providing internship slots, employment, or mentorship for the scholarship recipients. This call to action aims to build a nationwide ecosystem of support that helps young Nigerians transition from education into the workforce with dignity and purpose.
With more than six decades of service, Sterling Bank continues to operate at the intersection of finance and national progress. The Beyond Education programme is yet another testament to its unwavering belief that the private sector must play a key role in shaping a better, more inclusive Nigeria.