Esther Salifu
Sterling Bank Plc has taken a significant step towards shaping Nigeria’s future workforce by expanding its “Beyond Education” initiative. According to a statement from the bank on Saturday, the program now offers paid internships and guaranteed job opportunities to select beneficiaries of its N2 billion scholarship fund for 600 young Nigerians.
The bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Suleiman, emphasized the institution’s commitment to human capital development, stating, “Progress is not a spectator sport. 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 “Beyond Education” program, in partnership with Miva Open University, offers full-tuition scholarships to 600 young Nigerians, providing flexible and affordable degree programs without the need for JAMB scores. The addition of paid internships and job placements aims to equip graduates with real-world experience and skills necessary for the workforce.
Sterling Bank is encouraging other progressive organizations to support its mission by offering internships, employment, or mentorship opportunities to beneficiaries of its scholarship program. This collective effort aims to build a more inclusive, skilled, and productive workforce for Nigeria’s future.
“Sterling Bank is now extending an invitation to other forward-thinking companies across various industries to join this vital effort by offering internships, jobs, or mentorship opportunities to scholarship recipients. This collaborative approach presents a unique opportunity for employers to contribute to shaping a more inclusive and productive future for Nigeria”, Suleiman said
Sterling’s commitment to impact goes beyond profitability, demonstrated through initiatives like eliminating transfer fees which has saved customers over ₦600 million in just three months providing eligible customers with immediate access to ₦1 million through its “AlwaysOn” cash advance, and driving investments in critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and transportation, benefiting over 30 million Nigerians.
