NAPS Leadership Meets with OPAY Top Management in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria – December 30, 2024 – The leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), led by Senate President Comrade Adeniji Boluwaji Temitope, met with the top management of OPAY in Lagos State to discuss the inclusion of polytechnic students in OPAY’s scholarship program.

Other NAPS representatives at the meeting included Comrade Abdulmumeen Ibrahim, Comrade Olalere Benedict (NAPS Southwest PRO), and the Director of Media and Publicity.

The meeting was made possible through the intervention of the Lagos State Department of State Services (DSS) in response to an official letter sent to OPAY.

Polytechnic Students Demand Inclusion in OPAY Scholarship

During the meeting, Comrade Olalere Benedict highlighted the marginalization of polytechnic students in Nigeria. He pointed out that many corporate organizations prioritize university students over polytechnic students, despite the significant contributions of polytechnic graduates to Nigeria’s economic development.

He further noted that, despite polytechnic students being a major demographic of OPAY’s users, they had not been considered in the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, particularly the scholarship initiative. He urged OPAY to address this issue and ensure that the HND/BSc dichotomy does not hinder the inclusion of polytechnic students in the scheme.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of OPAY reassured NAPS that OPAY does not support the HND/BSc dichotomy, emphasizing that he himself is a polytechnic graduate. He explained that the scholarship program was initially designed for primary and secondary school students, but was later extended to tertiary institutions as a pilot scheme.

He clarified that universities were selected randomly for the initial phase, but assured NAPS that some polytechnics had also been chosen and would be communicated in due time. He further stated that while OPAY cannot reach every institution, all regions of Nigeria would benefit from the initiative.

The Head of Risk Management and the Head of CSR echoed these sentiments, assuring NAPS that polytechnic students were not intentionally excluded. They appreciated NAPS for engaging OPAY in dialogue and expressed commitment to further collaboration.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with the NAPS leadership expressing satisfaction with OPAY’s responses.

Comrade Adeniji Boluwaji Temitope, NAPS Senate President, commended OPAY for its efforts in financial inclusion and community service and called for stronger collaboration between NAPS and OPAY in future initiatives.

Comrade Oyewumi Festus, NAPS PRO Southwest, raised concerns about proof of funds for students applying for visas, urging OPAY to address this issue, as many students rely on OPAY for daily transactions.

Comrade Abdulmumeen Ibrahim, National Secretary of the NAPS Stakeholders Forum, praised OPAY for its efficient financial services and requested more business opportunities for polytechnic graduates and undergraduates.

The meeting strengthened communication between OPAY and NAPS, paving the way for polytechnic students to benefit from OPAY’s scholarship program and other future initiatives.

Aluta Continua… Victoria Ascerta!

Signed:
Comrade Adeniji Boluwaji Temitope
NAPS Senate President

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… Distributes school essentials to 1,000 students across 10 public schools in 5 states

Lagos, Nigeria- December 30, 2024: Polaris Bank, in partnership with key stakeholders, has reaffirmed its commitment to combating the alarming rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Through its targeted interventions, the Bank has ensured continuous education for over 15,000 students, providing them with the opportunity to learn, thrive, and contribute to a better future.

While the initiative primarily focuses on empowering the girl child, male students in the targeted schools were not left out reflecting the project’s inclusive approach.

Polaris Bank’s collaboration with strategic partners has further strengthened its efforts to combat the scourge of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Since 2020, these collaborative efforts have ensured continuous education for 16,000 students, showcasing the transformative impact of teamwork in fostering positive societal change.

The initiative which includes empowering young learners with brain training techniques and emotional intelligence education alongside making and distributing school essentials (bags, uniforms, sandals, books, and pens) aligns with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 which ensures inclusive and equitable quality education for all, is targeted at Nigeria’s most vulnerable communities, where over 20 million children lack access to basic education, according to UNESCO.

This phase of the initiative targeted schools across diverse regions of the country, providing needed school essentials such as; school bags, sandals, uniforms, books, and pens to students. Research has shown that the lack of one or two of these basic school essentials has been a significant barrier to school enrolment, contributing to the alarming number of the scourge of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal speaking on the education initiative charged students to embrace opportunities that education offers saying that the intervention is in line with the Bank’s ongoing sustainability efforts aimed at reducing Nigeria’s current out-of-school children population and increasing access to quality education, especially for the girl-child.

As part of its broader mission, Polaris Bank between November and December 2024 visited eight schools across various states, including Opebi Junior Grammar School in Lagos, National High School Arondizuogu; Iheme Memorial Secondary School; Akokwa High School in Imo State, Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila in Kano, Fortune Secondary School in Kogi, and Government Day Junior Secondary School, Maitama in Abuja, with that of Gbaja Junior and Secondary School, both in Surulere, Lagos moved to mid January 2025.

The program aims to support 50,000 students by 2028, building on its current impact of 16,000 students across nine states.

Beyond the provision of school essentials to indigent students of public schools, the initiative also embeds the Brighter Minds Programme, a transformative project bringing innovative brain-training techniques and emotional intelligence education to young learners.

This program has achieved remarkable milestones, expanding access to a holistic learning approach that builds resilience, focus, and confidence in students.

Each pilot group represents a new step in the journey of empowering young minds with life skills, made possible by the unwavering support of Polaris Bank, partners like EvolveCSR, schools, and parents.

Complementing this educational intervention, is the Inspire Teachers Training Program, a 3-day value-based education initiative aimed at equipping teachers with critical soft skills and alternative teaching methodologies.

This program explores topics such as heartful teaching, facilitation techniques, heterogeneous learning strategies, effective communication, heart-centered education, self-connection, and moral skill development.

Teachers who complete the program receive certificates and are encouraged to share their knowledge by training peers, fostering a ripple effect that promotes a soft-skills-driven approach to education.

While the initiative has made significant strides, the final batch of schools to be visited—Gbaja Girls Junior and High Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos — has been postponed to January 2025. This adjustment highlights the Bank’s commitment to ensuring no child is left behind in its drive to provide access to quality education.

Polaris Bank remains resolute in its mission to bridge educational gaps, ensuring a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth through impactful and sustained interventions.

By empowering students and supporting educators, the Bank continues to lead efforts to transform the lives of Nigeria’s future leaders.