Polaris Bank, Partners Support 16,000 Students to Reduce Out-of-School Children

Nume Ekeghe

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.

Since 2020, these collaborative efforts have ensured continuous education for 16,000 students, showcasing the transformative impact of teamwork in fostering positive societal change.

In a statement, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, said 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.

It states: “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.”