By Chinelo Obogo
鈥嶧ollowing the announcement of a 鈧2 billion scholarship fund for 600 young Nigerians, Sterling Bank is now offering paid internships and guaranteed jobs for select beneficiaries of its 鈥楤eyond Education鈥 initiative.
鈥嶵he bank said in a statement that this new layer reflects its conviction that education should not end with a certificate. It said it is building a bridge from university halls into real career opportunities, giving graduates hands-on experience in banking, technology, customer service, risk management, and other core business functions. Interns will earn competitive stipends, receive formal training, and work directly with senior leaders across the organization.
鈥嶴ince adopting its HEART strategy, Sterling Bank has redefined how a financial institution contributes to national development. Its investments in health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and transportation have reached more than 30 million Nigerians. These ongoing efforts are helping to close vital service gaps across the country. From smart health booths in remote communities to digital upgrades in public schools, farm support systems, rural energy solutions, and electric mobility infrastructure, Sterling continues to deploy capital for impact.
鈥嶭aunched on Democracy Day, the Beyond Education campaign continues to resonate nationwide. Scholarship nominees will be selected from all 36 states and the FCT through an open process led by community members and Sterling customers. The first batch of award letters will be issued this month, with recipients expected to begin academic work by September.
鈥嶴peaking on the initiative, Sterling Bank CEO Abubakar Suleiman said, 鈥淣igeria鈥檚 greatest asset is its people, and our responsibility is to equip them to lead, innovate, and transform. 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. This is the path we have deliberately chosen as an institution.
鈥庘漇terling鈥檚 commitment to real-world impact is deeply embedded in its retail strategy. In April, it became the first Nigerian bank to scrap transfer fees for individual customers, delivering over 鈧600 million in collective savings within just three months. The bank鈥檚 AlwaysOn initiative further strengthens this promise by offering eligible customers instant access to a 鈧1,000,000 cash advance, providing a seamless, stress-free financial cushion when it matters most.
鈥庘漇terling Bank is calling on other forward-thinking companies to join this effort by offering internships, jobs, or mentorship opportunities to scholarship recipients. Employers across all industries have a chance to help shape a more inclusive and productive future for Nigeria.鈥