Sterling Bank youth initiative deepens with scholarships, internships and jobs for 600 Nigerians as part of its N2bn Beyond Education programme

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]terling Bank youth initiative has taken a bold step forward in talent development by integrating job creation into its N2 billion “Beyond Education” scholarship programme for 600 young Nigerians.

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The bank announced over the weekend that selected beneficiaries will now enjoy paid internships and guaranteed job placements as part of the expanded scheme.

According to a statement issued on Saturday, the programme has evolved from a scholarship fund into a robust pipeline aimed at developing Nigeria’s future workforce through a blend of financial support, training, and employment.

The scheme targets sectors such as banking, technology, customer service, and risk management.

Sterling Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Suleiman, described the move as a natural progression of the bank’s mission.

“Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people, and our responsibility is to equip them to lead, innovate, and transform,” he said.

“With this initiative, we have created a launchpad for the next generation of builders and problem solvers. This is the work that moves a nation forward.”

Interns participating in the Sterling Bank youth initiative will receive competitive stipends, structured training, and mentorship from senior professionals, giving them both technical skills and leadership exposure.

This initiative builds upon Sterling’s broader “HEART” strategy, which focuses on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation.

Over 30 million Nigerians have already benefitted from Sterling’s investments in these priority sectors, which include smart health booths, agricultural support, digital school upgrades, and electric vehicle infrastructure.

Suleiman noted that Sterling Bank continues to differentiate itself not just by financial performance but through measurable national impact.

“Sterling Bank stands as a leading financial institution in Nigeria, driven by a mission that extends beyond mere profitability. Operating at the intersection of finance and national progress, the bank continues to set a benchmark for purposeful leadership,” he said.

The Sterling Bank youth initiative comes amid other innovative reforms introduced by the bank.

In April, it became the first bank in Nigeria to eliminate transfer fees for individual customers, yielding collective savings of over N600 million in just three months.

Its “AlwaysOn” product further supports customers with instant access to up to N1 million in cash advances.

Now, with the expansion of “Beyond Education,” the bank is inviting other companies and organisations to partner in the nationwide push for youth empowerment.

“This collaborative approach presents a unique opportunity for employers to contribute to shaping a more inclusive and productive future for Nigeria,” said Suleiman.

The scholarship selection process, launched on Democracy Day, has drawn applicants from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Candidates are being selected through a transparent, community-led nomination process involving customers and local leaders.

Beneficiaries like those currently shortlisted are expected to gain not only financial aid but also life-changing experience and direct access to career opportunities.

The aim is to create long-term value and sustainable employment across sectors critical to Nigeria’s development.

As the Sterling Bank youth initiative continues to gain traction nationwide, industry analysts say it exemplifies the role forward-thinking institutions can play in nation-building, especially in an economy where youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge.

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The bank’s strategy now positions it at the forefront of a corporate movement redefining how the private sector engages with the next generation of Nigerian leaders.