Access Bank, Fifth Chukker, UNICEF Renew Education Partnership for Vulnerable Children

Abayomi Susan

Access Bank Plc, Fifth Chukker, UNICEF and the Kaduna State Government have reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to improving access to quality education for Nigeria’s most vulnerable children, highlighting the transformative impact of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable development.

The renewed commitment was announced at the Access UK Polo Day, hosted by Access Bank UK in London, where stakeholders celebrated more than 15 years of collaboration dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for underserved children across Northern Nigeria.

What began as a modest initiative has grown into one of Africa’s most impactful education programmes. Through the Access Bank Fifth Chukker School in Kaduna State and related educational interventions, the partnership has positively impacted more than 14,000 children from underserved communities, creating lasting opportunities through quality education.

At the centre of the initiative is the Access Bank Fifth Chukker School, where sustained investments in educational infrastructure, teaching resources and student support have continued to improve learning outcomes. Between 2018 and 2026, the school produced 2,538 graduates, with girls accounting for more than 54 per cent of the graduating class, reflecting the programme’s strong commitment to promoting gender inclusion and expanding access to education for female pupils.

Each year, over 1,000 children benefit from the school’s internationally recognised foundational learning programme, which has contributed to significant improvements in literacy and numeracy, including a reported 15 per cent increase in learning performance. Many graduates have gained admission into leading secondary schools, while teachers continue to receive professional development and digital learning support. Enhanced classroom facilities and expanded educational resources have further strengthened the learning environment and reinforced the programme’s long-term sustainability.

This year’s gathering underscored a simple but powerful message: every commitment should translate into a classroom, every classroom should empower a child, and every child deserves the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, reflected on the remarkable journey of the initiative, describing education as the most powerful tool for transforming lives and creating equal opportunities.

According to him, what started with the vision of supporting just 100 children has evolved into a movement that has positively impacted more than 14,000 young people.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would double its reach in the coming years, stating that the partners look forward to returning next year with a target of positively impacting 28,000 children.

Ogbonna also commended donors and development partners for their unwavering support, noting that investments in education create enduring benefits that extend across generations and contribute significantly to national development.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described education as one of the most valuable investments any society can make, applauding the enduring partnership between Access Bank, Fifth Chukker and UNICEF for restoring hope and creating opportunities for thousands of children from underserved communities.

Highlighting the state government’s ongoing education reforms, the governor disclosed that approximately 300,000 out-of-school children had returned to classrooms within the past year through strategic collaborations with UNICEF and other development partners.

He also announced plans to construct an additional 120 classrooms at the Access Bank Fifth Chukker UNICEF School, a move aimed at expanding access to quality education for even more children across the state.

Governor Sani emphasised that the initiative goes beyond building schools, noting that it is fundamentally about empowering children to dream, lead and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation at large.

He equally paid tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe, acknowledging his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to improving educational opportunities for disadvantaged children across Nigeria.

Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said the true measure of the initiative’s success lies not in the physical infrastructure delivered but in the countless lives transformed through education.

He noted that every educated child, every young person empowered to realise their potential, and every strengthened community reflects the enduring value of purposeful collaboration among the private sector, government and development partners.

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of The Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, welcomed guests to what he described as “polo with purpose,” stressing that the event represents more than a sporting occasion but a celebration of a shared commitment to creating opportunities through education.

He reaffirmed Access Bank UK’s dedication to supporting initiatives that generate sustainable social impact and expand educational access for vulnerable children.

The event concluded with stakeholders renewing their commitment to increasing investments in education as a catalyst for inclusive growth, national development and social progress.

The Access Bank Fifth Chukker School continues to stand as a testament to the power of sustained collaboration between the private sector, government and development partners in delivering measurable educational outcomes and creating brighter futures for vulnerable children across Northern Nigeria.