Access Bank UK, Fifth Chukker, UNICEF and the Kaduna State Government have renewed their commitment to expanding educational opportunities for vulnerable children in Nigeria.
The collaboration was highlighted at Access UK Polo Day in London, where stakeholders marked more than 15 years of impact from the initiative. What began as a small project has grown into a major education programme that has reached more than 14,000 children in underserved communities in Northern Nigeria.
At the center of the effort is the Access Bank Fifth Chukker School in Kaduna State, which has helped provide infrastructure, learning materials and student support for thousands of pupils. From 2018 to 2026, the school recorded 2,538 graduates, with girls making up more than 54 per cent of the total.
More than 1,000 pupils benefit each year from the school’s foundational learning programme, which has helped improve literacy and numeracy outcomes. The programme has also supported teacher training, digital learning and broader school development, helping pupils gain admission into leading secondary schools.
Access Bank Plc Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Roosevelt Ogbonna said the initiative had grown from a dream of helping 100 children into a movement that has transformed the lives of thousands. He said the goal is to reach even more children in the coming year, stressing that education remains the strongest tool for unlocking human potential.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani praised the partnership, describing education as one of the most valuable investments a society can make. He said the state had returned about 300,000 out-of-school children to classrooms over the past year through partnerships with UNICEF and other development groups, and announced plans for 120 additional classrooms at the Fifth Chukker Access Bank UNICEF School.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings, said the real measure of success lies in the opportunities created for children and communities rather than the buildings alone. Jamie Simmonds, Chief Executive Officer of The Access Bank UK, described the event as polo with purpose and said the bank remains committed to projects that create lasting social impact.
The event ended with a renewed pledge from all partners to keep investing in education as a driver of national development and social progress.