Sterling Bank is taking bold strides in youth empowerment with the expansion of its flagship Beyond Education programme. In a powerful move that bridges the gap between classroom learning and career advancement, the bank has unveiled a ₦2 billion scholarship fund and it comes with more than just tuition.
More Than a Scholarship: Paid Internships and Career Launchpads
Beyond covering educational costs for 600 young Nigerians, Sterling is offering paid internships and guaranteed jobs to top-performing recipients. These roles span critical areas such as banking, tech, customer service, risk management, and more turning the scholarship into a full-fledged launchpad for real-world success.
Interns will not only earn competitive stipends but also gain formal training, mentorship, and direct access to senior executives. This initiative signals Sterling’s belief that education is only meaningful when paired with opportunity.
Driving National Progress with HEART
At the core of this initiative is Sterling Bank’s HEART strategy, which focuses on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable energy, and Transportation. Over the years, this strategy has reached more than 30 million Nigerians, transforming communities through smart health hubs, school digitization, agricultural financing, clean energy solutions, and electric transport infrastructure.
The Beyond Education programme was launched on Democracy Day to symbolize freedom through knowledge. Scholarships are open to youths across all 36 states and the FCT, with recipients selected through a transparent nomination process led by local communities and Sterling customers.
The first cohort of awardees will receive their letters this month, with academic activities set to begin by September.
CEO’s Vision: Empowering the Next Generation of Nation Builders
Sterling Bank CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, emphasized the deeper vision behind the initiative:
“Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people. Our responsibility is to equip them to lead, innovate, and transform. This programme is not just a scholarship; it’s a launchpad for the next generation of builders and problem solvers.”
A Bank That Walks the Talk
Sterling’s commitment to impact extends beyond education. In April, the bank became the first in Nigeria to eliminate transfer fees for individual customers saving them over ₦600 million in just three months. Its AlwaysOn cash advance service also offers eligible users up to ₦1,000,000 instantly, providing a reliable financial cushion when needed most.
A National Call to Action
Sterling is inviting other progressive organizations to partner in this movement by offering internships, job placements, or mentorship to scholarship beneficiaries. It’s a clarion call to invest in Nigeria’s future workforce and help shape a more inclusive and empowered society.
About Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank is a leading financial institution in Nigeria, focused on redefining banking through strategic investments in Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. With over six decades of innovation and impact, the bank continues to pioneer initiatives that transform lives, strengthen communities, and move the nation forward.
