Polaris Bank Partners to Support 16,000 Students, Reduce Out-of-School Children in Nigeria Through Innovative Education Initiative
Lagos, Nigeria - December 30, 2024: Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to combating the alarming rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria through its targeted interventions. In partnership with key stakeholders, the Bank has ensured continuous education for over 16,000 students, providing them with the opportunity to learn, thrive, and contribute to a better future.
The initiative, which focuses on empowering the girl child, has also benefited male students in the targeted schools, reflecting the project's inclusive approach. Since 2020, Polaris Bank's collaborative efforts with strategic partners have ensured continuous education for 16,000 students, showcasing the transformative impact of teamwork in fostering positive societal change.
The initiative includes empowering young learners with brain training techniques and emotional intelligence education, alongside providing and distributing school essentials such as bags, uniforms, sandals, books, and pens. This aligns with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4, which ensures inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
This phase of the initiative targeted schools across diverse regions of the country, providing needed school essentials to students. Research has shown that the lack of these basic school essentials has been a significant barrier to school enrollment, contributing to the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Polaris Bank's Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, charged students to embrace opportunities that education offers, stating that the intervention is in line with the Bank's ongoing sustainability efforts aimed at reducing Nigeria's current out-of-school children population and increasing access to quality education, especially for the girl-child.
"Education is the foundation upon which the future of our nation is built," said Mr. Lawal. "As a responsible corporate citizen, Polaris Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that promote education and reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Between November and December 2024, Polaris Bank visited eight schools across various states, including Opebi Junior Grammar School in Lagos, National High School Arondizuogu; Iheme Memorial Secondary School; Akokwa High School in Imo State, Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila in Kano, Fortune Secondary School in Kogi, and Government Day Junior Secondary School, Maitama in Abuja.
The program aims to support 50,000 students by 2028, building on its current impact of 16,000 students across nine states. Beyond the provision of school essentials, the initiative also embeds the Brighter Minds Programme, a transformative project bringing innovative brain-training techniques and emotional intelligence education to young learners.
Complementing this educational intervention is the Inspire Teachers Training Program, a 3-day value-based education initiative aimed at equipping teachers with critical soft skills and alternative teaching methodologies.
Polaris Bank remains resolute in its mission to bridge educational gaps, ensuring a brighter future for Nigeria's youth through impactful and sustained interventions. By empowering students and supporting educators, the Bank continues to lead efforts to transform the lives of Nigeria's future leaders.
As the Bank looks to the future, it is clear that its commitment to education will remain a cornerstone of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. With its innovative approach to education and its dedication to supporting Nigeria's youth, Polaris Bank is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless students across the country.
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