Access Bank UK, Fifth Chukker, UNICEF and the Kaduna State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding access to quality education for Nigeria’s most vulnerable children, reinforcing a partnership that has transformed thousands of lives across Northern Nigeria.
The renewed commitment was announced during the Access Bank UK Polo Day held in Windsor, United Kingdom, where stakeholders celebrated more than 15 years of collaboration focused on improving educational opportunities for underserved communities.
The initiative, which began as a programme to support just 100 children, has grown into one of Africa’s most impactful education interventions. Through the Access Bank Fifth Chukker School and related programmes, more than 14,000 children have benefited from improved access to education across Northern Nigeria.
Since 2018, the school has produced 2,538 graduates, with girls accounting for over 54 per cent of the total, highlighting its contribution to promoting gender inclusion in education. More than 1,000 pupils also benefit annually from its foundational learning programme, which has contributed to stronger literacy and numeracy skills and a reported 15 per cent improvement in learning outcomes.
Speaking at the event, Roosevelt Ogbonna described education as the greatest equaliser, noting that the programme’s impact continues to expand.
“What began as a dream to transform the lives of 100 children has grown into a movement that has positively impacted more than 14,000 young people. We want to return next year talking about 28,000 children,” he said.
Ogbonna commended donors and development partners for sustaining the initiative, adding that investments in education create long-term benefits for individuals and communities.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, praised the partnership between Access Bank, Fifth Chukker and UNICEF, describing education as one of society’s most valuable investments.
He disclosed that about 300,000 out-of-school children had been returned to classrooms in Kaduna State over the past year through collaborations with UNICEF and other development partners.
Governor Sani also announced plans to construct an additional 120 classrooms at the Access Bank Fifth Chukker UNICEF School to accommodate more learners.
“By giving children access to quality education, we are empowering them to dream, to lead and to build a better future for themselves and their communities,” the governor said.
Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said the success of the initiative should be measured by the opportunities it creates rather than the number of buildings constructed.
According to him, every child who gains access to education represents the lasting impact of collaboration between the private sector, government and development partners.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of The Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, described the event as “polo with purpose,” noting that it celebrated both sport and a shared commitment to creating opportunities through education.
The event ended with stakeholders renewing their pledge to deepen investments in education as a driver of national development, while the Access Bank Fifth Chukker School continues to demonstrate how sustained partnerships can improve educational outcomes for vulnerable children across Northern Nigeria.
