….. Distributes School Essentials to 1,000 Students Across 10 Public Schools in 5 States, Boosting Education and Learning Opportunities for Underprivileged Pupils.

Lagos, Nigeria – December 30, 2024: Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the alarming rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Through its targeted interventions, the Bank has ensured continuous education for over 15,000 students, providing them with opportunities to learn, thrive, and contribute to a better future.

The initiative, which focuses on empowering the girl child, has also benefited male students in targeted schools, reflecting the project’s inclusive approach. Polaris Bank’s collaboration with strategic partners has strengthened its efforts to combat the scourge of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Since 2020, these collaborative efforts have ensured continuous education for 16,000 students.

The initiative, which combines brain training techniques, emotional intelligence education, and the provision of essential school materials (including bags, uniforms, sandals, books, and pens), is closely aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), aiming to provide inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all. Specifically, this program targets Nigeria’s most vulnerable communities, where, according to UNESCO, over 20 million children are currently denied access to basic education.

This phase of the initiative targeted schools across diverse regions, providing needed school essentials to students. Research has shown that the lack of 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 out-of-school children population and increasing access to quality education.

As part of its broader mission, Polaris Bank visited eight schools across various states, including Lagos, Imo, Kano, Kogi, and Abuja, distributing school essentials to students. The program aims to support 50,000 students by 2028, building on its current impact of 16,000 students across nine states.

Beyond providing school essentials, the initiative embeds the Brighter Minds Programme, a transformative project bringing innovative brain-training techniques and emotional intelligence education to young learners. This program has achieved remarkable milestones, expanding access to a holistic learning approach that builds resilience, focus, and confidence in students.

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.