Wema Bank Illuminating the Future  With Intervention in Education

Samson  Adepoju

Education isn’t just about books, classrooms, and tests. It’s the key that unlocks doors of opportunity, enriches lives, and propels societies forward. No doubts education plays a pivotal role in shaping the community and global landscape.

   There are approximately 7.8 billion people in the world, but sadly, many of them don’t have access to quality education? Education is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people remain without this opportunity.

According to UNESCO, over 258 million children and youth were out of school, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Lack of access to quality education remains a persistent global challenge.

Furthermore, quality education is closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations set 17 ambitious goals to address global challenges by 2030. Of these, Goal 4 specifically focuses on education: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

 To bridge the gap, Wema Bank believes that all hands must be on deck to address the issue, even as it contributes its quota to ensure that quality education is for all.

Managing Director of the bank, Moruf  Oseni believes education is a catalyst that ensures that the key to reducing poverty (Goal 1), improving health (Goal 3), ensuring gender equality (Goal 5), and fostering sustainable communities (Goal 11) of the SDGs becomes a reality.

He maintained that quality education is the foundation for positive change, noting that it doesn’t just prepare individuals for the workforce, it cultivates informed citizens who contribute to society, understand the importance of environmental sustainability, and promote peace and social justice.

He said: “Quality education is the bedrock of personal development, enabling individuals to reach their full potential. It’s an essential component of any thriving society, fostering innovation and facilitating economic growth.

“Do you remember your favorite teacher from school? The one who made learning fun, the one whose enthusiasm was infectious, and the one who made a lasting impact on your life? Teachers, in their many shapes and forms, have always been the unsung heroes of our communities. They wear many hats—mentor, guide, friend, and, at times, even a shoulder to cry on. Teachers aren’t merely purveyors of knowledge; they’re perpetual learners themselves. They adapt to evolving teaching methods and curricula, staying ahead of the curve to provide the best education for their students. But they’re not just educators; they are the bedrock of our society.

“Teachers instill values and morals, nurturing responsible, compassionate, and informed citizens. They promote community involvement and advocate the importance of giving back, and their influence often extends to students’ families, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

“They are the first to spot potential in their students, igniting a passion for various subjects, from literature to science to music to sports. They inspire dreams, unlock talents, and provide the support needed for those dreams to take flight. Despite the hurdles of overcrowded classrooms and limited resources, teachers persevere. They adapt their teaching styles to cater to diverse needs and learning abilities, ensuring that no student is left behind.

  “The world always hungers for heroes, mentors, and guides. It perpetually needs more teachers, as teachers are the architects of the future, shaping the minds and hearts of tomorrow’s leaders and change makers. If you’ve ever been inspired by a remarkable teacher and considered joining this noble profession, you’re not just choosing a career; you’re embracing a lifelong commitment to shaping the world.”

As part of its commitment to promoting quality education, recognising and rewarding excellence in the education sector, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, rewarded winners of the ‘Wema Celebrates Teachers’ competition, an innovate campaign targeted at celebrating and rewarding outstanding teachers who have made positive impact in the teaching profession.

The competition allowed students to nominate extraordinary teachers who’ve made a significant impact on their lives and truly deserve recognition.

At the event, three outstanding teachers were recognised for their dedication and positive influence. These educators, Olawale Ibraheem Gbenusola, Raheem Kehinde Hassan, and Adeniran Basirat Adedoyin, exemplified the kind of excellence that teachers embody.

Their recognition came with substantial cash prizes, underscoring the significance of their unwavering commitment to nurturing the citizens of tomorrow. Olawale Ibraheem Gbenusola secured the 1st position and was rewarded with a substantial 2 million naira cash prize, acknowledging his exceptional impact. Raheem Kehinde Hassan came in 2nd, receiving a commendable N1.5 million cash prize, and Adeniran Basirat Adedoyin took the 3rd position with a noteworthy cash prize of N1million.

Speaking at the event, Oseni said the Bank was committed to promoting excellence and innovation in the education sector.

  “Teachers deserve more than just recognition. They deserve to be celebrated for their tireless efforts in shaping young minds and molding their future. At Wema Bank, we are proud to honour these teachers’ dedication to the service. We believe that when there is proper funding and support to the education sector, our children will be impacted positively and the country as a whole will benefit.”

Expressing her gratitude one of the winners, Adeniran Basirat Adedoyin from Dolphin Junior High School, Lagos, said, “I am excited and happy to be recognised today. I thank Wema Bank for seeing the work that we do and for celebrating our impact on the country. Teachers should not be ignored, we deserve to be celebrated and recognised for our hard work and I am grateful to Wema Bank for coming up with this initiative and for the work that they do in the banking industry.”

Deputy Managing Director, Wema Bank, Wole Akinleye noted that institutions like Wema recognise the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the future.

“Their commitment to quality education extends beyond extraordinary events. An excellent example is the ALAT Summer Internship, a programme designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to learn from teachers in the banking sector. This initiative offers students a chance to gain valuable real-world experience by being tutored by seasoned professionals who’ve devoted their lives to the world of banking.”

On her part, Wema Bank’s Head, brands and marketing communication, Mabel Adeteye noted that in the grand tapestry of life, teachers are the threads that weave together knowledge, compassion, and community.

   “They are the heart of our society, molding and nurturing the citizens of tomorrow. The invaluable contributions of teachers deserve not just recognition but a resounding applause.”

According to her, initiatives like the ‘Wema Celebrates Teachers’ competition provide a heartwarming testament to the profound appreciation the bank holds for remarkable educators.

The bank’s interest in education also fostered its resolve to engage six universities in its 2023 Hackaholics programme. The universities are Babcock University, Lagos State University, University of Abuja, University of Benin, Federal University of Technology (Akure) and the University of Lagos.

 In the same vein, the bank donated chairs and tables to Isale Eko Grammar School, Lagos. The donation was part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative, the “Salary for Love” campaign.

During the campaign, the bank’s staff members contributed their salaries, embodying the spirit of giving back and leaving a lasting impact on the lives of others.   The bank’s Head, Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, Abimbola Agbejule, stressed her believe in the transformative power of education, while commending the bank’s staff members for their commitment to supporting education in the community.

  “Through the ‘Salary for Love’ initiative, our employees have showcased their exceptional devotion to shaping a brighter future through education. We are humbled to contribute to the growth and development of Isale Eko Grammar School, as we remain steadfast in our mission of corporate citizenship.”

Also, Wema Bank gave scholarships two pupils of the school. The Principal of Isale Eko Grammar School, Dr. Mukaila Olatoye, expressed their gratitude for the gesture.

Similarly, a 23-year-old Yoruba Education student of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Muritadho Shakiroh Opeyemi, became one of the lucky winners of N1, 000,000 in the 5th monthly draw of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 3, held at the University of Lagos on Friday, December 15, 2023.

  The 5th draw held recently in UNILAG recorded a total of 120 winners nationwide, two of whom were the grand prizewinners of N1, 000,000 each. With five more monthly draws to go for the season, Wema Bank is discernibly set to transform lives and businesses for the better through the promo.

The newborn are inclusive of Wema’s support in the education sector, as it re-opened Purple Crèche for its employees.

Purple Crèche is a daycare and educational facility located within the Wema Bank Head Office and is available to children of Wema Bank staff, aged 3 – 30 months. The crèche had been temporarily closed during Covid.

The revamped Purple Creche was upgraded with top-notch quality facilities, equipment and human resources, all to provide the staff of Wema Bank with superior standards of care and education for their children.

It’s an initiative where the children are taught and educated to develop their cognitive, social, and mental skills, giving them a head start in life.

Wema Bank’s Divisional Head, Brand, People and Culture, Ololade Ogungbenro said “Our commitment to improving the lives of our staff and helping them become the best versions of themselves, often have us developing new and improved employee-focused initiatives that positively impact their lives.

  “Purple Crèche is one of such initiatives. We observed that members of staff who had just returned from maternity leave had some difficulty adjusting to leaving their newborns at home. We started Purple Creche to bring the children closer to their parents without interrupting productivity on either side; and it was amazing to see parents handle their duties without worrying about their children, knowing they’re in safe hands.

    Regarding the renovation of the crèche, Ogungbenro insists it is in line with Wema’s commitment to excellence. “We maintain a constant review of Purple Creche’s facilities and decided to remodel and upgrade its facilities, improve the quality of staff and create a more homely, advanced and top-class care and learning environment for the children of our staff.”

Adeteye stressed that institutions like Wema Bank are dedicated to promoting quality education and recognising excellence in the education sector, serving as a resounding echo that educators are indeed the unsung heroes who shape our future.

“It’s not just about the remarkable teachers; it’s about the students who’ve been touched by their dedication and passion. In a world that hungers for heroes, teachers stand tall, guiding the way toward a better tomorrow, one classroom at a time.”

Adepoju writes from Lagos