Yemisi Izuora
Polaris Bank, in partnership with key stakeholders, has reaffirmed its commitment to combating 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 the opportunity to learn, thrive, and contribute to a better future.
While the initiative primarily focuses on empowering the girl child, male students in the targeted schools were not left out reflecting the project’s inclusive approach.
Polaris Bank’s collaboration with strategic partners has further 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, showcasing the transformative impact of teamwork in fostering positive societal change.
The initiative which includes empowering young learners with brain training techniques and emotional intelligence education alongside making and distributing school essentials (bags, uniforms, sandals, books, and pens) aligns with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 which ensures inclusive and equitable quality education for all, is targeted at Nigeria’s most vulnerable communities, where over 20 million children lack access to basic education, according to UNESCO.
This phase of the initiative targeted schools across diverse regions of the country, providing needed school essentials such as; school bags, sandals, uniforms, books, and pens to students. Research has shown that the lack of one or two of these basic school essentials has been a significant barrier to school enrolment, contributing to the alarming number of the scourge of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal speaking on the education initiative charged students to embrace opportunities that education offers saying 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.
As part of its broader mission, Polaris Bank between November and December 2024 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, with that of Gbaja Junior and Secondary School, both in Surulere, Lagos moved to mid January 2025.
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 to indigent students of public schools, the initiative also 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.
Each pilot group represents a new step in the journey of empowering young minds with life skills, made possible by the unwavering support of Polaris Bank, partners like EvolveCSR, schools, and parents.
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.
This program explores topics such as heartful teaching, facilitation techniques, heterogeneous learning strategies, effective communication, heart-centered education, self-connection, and moral skill development.
Teachers who complete the program receive certificates and are encouraged to share their knowledge by training peers, fostering a ripple effect that promotes a soft-skills-driven approach to education.
While the initiative has made significant strides, the final batch of schools to be visited—Gbaja Girls Junior and High Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos — has been postponed to January 2025. This adjustment highlights the Bank’s commitment to ensuring no child is left behind in its drive to provide access to quality education.
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.