Polaris Bank, in collaboration with Evolve Charity Trust, has completed its 2025 national distribution of school supplies, benefitting 1,000 students across ten public secondary schools in five states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative underscores the bank’s ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), aimed at promoting education and supporting the girl child.
Since 2021, the programme has supported over 24,000 students in 49 locations, making it a significant intervention in Nigeria’s education sector. This year’s beneficiaries received comprehensive learning kits comprising school uniforms, school bags, sandals, six exercise books, and pens. School officials noted that such materials enhance attendance, boost students’ confidence, and support academic achievement.
In addition to educational benefits, the programme stimulated local economies by sourcing uniforms from local tailors, procuring books from community bookshops, and purchasing sandals and bags from traders within the beneficiary states—thereby reinforcing small business growth across the regions.
Polaris Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the bank’s five-year pledge to champion the education of Nigeria’s girl child, emphasising that the distribution of learning materials symbolises their belief in the potential of young learners to become future leaders and innovators.
School administrators expressed gratitude for the timely intervention, highlighting that the supplies meet urgent needs and alleviate financial burdens on families. Many students, coming from homes where parents cannot afford such items, have seen their pride restored through the gesture.
Representatives of Polaris Bank reiterated their dedication to enhancing access to quality education and encouraging students to utilise the materials effectively and remain committed to their academic pursuits.
The 2025 distribution included schools such as Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila, Kano; Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja; Government Junior Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, Abuja; Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja; National High School, Arondizuogu; Iheme Memorial Secondary School, Iheme; Akokwa High School, Akokwa; Opebi Junior Grammar School, Lagos; Gbaja Girls Junior Secondary School, Surulere; and Gbaja Girls Senior Secondary School, Surulere.
Hajiya Aisha Shehu Yakasai, Principal of Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila, Kano, expressed appreciation, stating the essentials “meet real and urgent needs” and have eased the burden on families. Similarly, Madam Maji-Abu Omanyo Esther, Principal of Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, described the initiative as “brought joy and will positively impact academic performance.”
Mrs. Erdoo Lortyom, Vice Principal at Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja, praised the bank for restoring pride among beneficiaries, noting that many students’ families cannot afford such items. Mrs. Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo, Principal of Gbaja Girls Schools, Surulere, thanked Polaris Bank for its “consistent yearly gesture,” promising that the materials will be put to excellent use.
In Kano, Branch Head Mr. Madiebo Godwin reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to “championing access to quality learning,” while in Lokoja, Business Development Manager Mr. David Ojonugwa encouraged students to “make the best use of the materials and stay committed to success.”
In Imo State, Mr. Peter Nnamani, the Bank’s Business Development Manager for Urualla Branch, urged students to aim high, noting that every career begins with dedication in school.
Mr. Godwin Ejeh, Project Manager of Evolve Charity Trust, highlighted that investing in a child’s education “lights a candle that brightens entire communities,” observing a ripple effect across the states visited during distribution.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality, by fostering inclusive access to education and reducing gender-based barriers that prevent girls from attending school.
Polaris Bank reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with reputable development organisations to deliver sustainable educational impacts across Nigeria.
