Polaris Bank, Evolve Charity Trust Empower 1,000 Students with School Essentials

Polaris Bank, Evolve Charity Trust Empower 1,000 Students with School Essentials

Polaris Bank, in collaboration with Evolve Charity Trust, has completed its 2025 nationwide distribution of school essentials to 1,000 students drawn from ten public secondary schools across five states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The initiative forms part of the Bank’s sustained Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to improving access to education and keeping more children — particularly the girl child — in school.

The latest intervention builds on a programme that has supported over 24,000 students in public schools across 49 locations nationwide since 2021.

Beneficiaries received complete learning kits comprising school uniforms, school bags, sandals, six exercise books and pens. School authorities said the materials have contributed to improved attendance, boosted students’ confidence and supported academic performance.

Beyond education support, the initiative also stimulated local economies. Polaris Bank sourced uniforms from local tailors, procured exercise books from neighbourhood bookshops and purchased sandals and bags from community traders across the beneficiary states, thereby supporting small-scale businesses.

Polaris Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the Bank’s five-year commitment to championing girl-child education in Nigeria. He described the learning materials as symbols of belief in the students’ potential to become scholars, innovators and future leaders.

School administrators across the participating states expressed appreciation for the timely intervention, noting that the essentials address urgent needs, ease the financial burden on families and positively impact learning outcomes.

In Kano State, Hajiya Aisha Shehu Yakasai, Principal of Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila, said the items “meet real and urgent needs” and have eased the burden on parents. In Kogi State, Madam Maji-Abu Omanyo Esther, Principal of Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, described the initiative as one that “brought joy and will positively impact academic performance.”

Mrs. Erdoo Lortyom, Vice Principal of Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja, commended the Bank for restoring pride among students, noting that many beneficiaries come from homes where parents cannot afford basic school items.

Similarly, Mrs. Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo, Principal of Gbaja Girls Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Surulere, Lagos, thanked Polaris Bank for its “consistent yearly gesture,” assuring that the materials would be put to excellent use.

Representatives of the Bank reiterated Polaris Bank’s commitment to expanding access to quality education nationwide. In Kano, Branch Head Mr. Madiebo Godwin reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to championing inclusive learning, while in Lokoja, Business Development Manager Mr. David Ojonugwa urged students to make effective use of the materials and remain committed to academic success.

In Imo State, Business Development Manager for Urualla Branch, Mr. Peter Nnamani, encouraged students to aim high, stressing that every career dream begins with dedication to education.

Project Manager of Evolve Charity Trust, Mr. Godwin Ejeh, said investing in a child’s education “lights a candle that brightens entire communities,” highlighting the positive ripple effects observed across states visited during the distribution.

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), by promoting inclusive access to education and reducing gender-based barriers.

Polaris Bank reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with credible development organisations to deliver sustainable educational impact across Nigeria.