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

Polaris Bank, in collaboration with Evolve Charity Trust, has successfully 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 promoting access to education and ensuring that more children—particularly the girl child—remain in school.

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The 2025 intervention builds on a growing programme that has supported over 24,000 students in public schools across 49 locations nationwide since its inception in 2021.

Beneficiary students received comprehensive learning kits comprising school uniforms, school bags, sandals, six exercise books and pens. School authorities noted that the provision of these essentials has continued to enhance school attendance, boost students’ confidence and positively influence academic performance.

Beyond educational impact, the initiative also stimulated local economies within beneficiary communities. Uniforms were produced by local tailors, books were procured from neighbourhood bookshops, while sandals and bags were purchased from local traders, thereby supporting small businesses across the participating states.

Speaking on the initiative, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the Bank’s five-year commitment to advancing the education of Nigeria’s girl child. He described the distributed materials as symbols of belief in the students’ potential to grow into scholars, innovators and future leaders.

School administrators across the beneficiary locations expressed appreciation for the timely intervention, describing it as a critical support that addresses real and urgent needs, eases the financial burden on families and enhances learning outcomes. They noted that many beneficiaries come from disadvantaged homes where parents are unable to afford basic school supplies, and that the gesture has helped restore dignity and pride among the students.

Representatives of Polaris Bank reiterated the institution’s commitment to expanding access to education, promoting quality learning and encouraging beneficiaries to make optimal use of the materials provided.

The 2025 distribution covered the following schools: Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila, Kano State; Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja; Government Junior Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, Abuja; Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, Kogi State; National High School, Arondizuogu, Imo State; Iheme Memorial Secondary School, Iheme, Imo State; Akokwa High School, Akokwa, Imo State; Opebi Junior Grammar School, Opebi, Lagos State; Gbaja Girls Junior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos State; and Gbaja Girls Senior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos State.

Commending the initiative, Hajiya Aisha Shehu Yakasai, Principal of Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila, Kano State, stated that the support “meets real and urgent needs” while significantly reducing the burden on parents. Similarly, Madam Maji-Abu Omanyo Esther, Principal of Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, described the intervention as one that “has brought joy and will positively impact academic performance.”

Mrs. Erdoo Lortyom, Vice Principal of Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja, praised the Bank for restoring dignity among students from financially constrained homes, while Mrs. Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo, Principal of Gbaja Girls Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Surulere, lauded Polaris Bank for its “consistent yearly gesture” and assured that the materials would be judiciously utilised.

Further reinforcing the Bank’s commitment, Polaris Bank officials across states encouraged students to remain focused on their education. In Kano, Branch Head Mr. Madiebo Godwin reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to championing access to quality education, while in Lokoja, Business Development Manager Mr. David Ojonugwa urged students to maximise the opportunity and remain committed to success. In Imo State, Business Development Manager of the Urualla Branch, Mr. Peter Nnamani, encouraged students to pursue their ambitions, noting that every career journey begins with dedication to learning.

Also speaking, Project Manager of Evolve Charity Trust, Mr. Godwin Ejeh, emphasised that investing in education creates a ripple effect that benefits entire communities, describing the initiative as “lighting a candle that brightens many lives.”

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

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