Business
Sterling Bank launches N2bn private university scholarships for Nigerian youth
…..Unveiled on Democracy Day, the initiative titled Beyond Education, represents a decisive step towards building the country’s future leaders by dismantling the barriers that keep millions of Nigerians from accessing quality, future-focused learning.
Sterling Bank, has announced an over two billion naira (N2 billion) commitment for fully-funded private university scholarships for young Nigerians.
Unveiled on Democracy Day, the initiative titled Beyond Education, represents a decisive step towards building the country’s future leaders by dismantling the barriers that keep millions of Nigerians from accessing quality, future-focused learning.
This is one of the largest private sector investments ever made in a single Nigerian tertiary institution.
It extends Sterling’s longstanding commitment to the HEART sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation.
The bank has deployed over half a trillion naira in financing and development programmes across these critical areas.
“Progress is not a spectator sport,” said Abubakar Suleiman, Chief Executive of Sterling Bank.
“While others talk about Nigeria’s potential, we are actively investing in it. These scholarships are direct investments in the architects of our future.
We are funding the education of future leaders who will build the companies, systems, institutions and solutions Nigeria needs to thrive.
”The Sterling Beyond Education programme will fully sponsor 600 students to study high-impact fields such as Technology, Finance, Sales, and Public Health.
It is open to young Nigerians from all 36 states and the FCT, with a merit-based and inclusive admissions process.
Candidates can nominate themselves or be nominated by others, and final selection will be determined through a public voting process open exclusively to Sterling account holders.
“This is what inclusive investment looks like,” said Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive leading the Retail & Consumer Banking Directorate at Sterling Bank.
“This initiative goes beyond access to education, it’s access to a future. Education remains the most valuable asset anyone can have, and we’re proud to stand behind young Nigerians as they claim it.
”The pilot programme is in partnership with Miva University, founded by renowned tech entrepreneur Sim Shagaya.
Fully accredited by the National Universities Commission, Miva is redefining higher education in Africa with scalable, affordable, and flexible programs tailored to the demands of the digital economy.
The programme also reflects Sterling’s advocacy for organisations to shift from short-term philanthropy to long-term ecosystem development.
With deep investments in digitised healthcare, school financing, agricultural cooperatives, solar energy, and low-cost transport systems, Sterling is building pathways to inclusive prosperity.
“We’re moving beyond charity,” Mr Suleiman said. “This is about building systems that last and it is much bigger than hundreds of scholarships. It’s about the future those brilliant young minds will build for our country.”
Nominations are now open at www.sterling.ng/FUTURE. As Africa’s youth population continues to grow, initiatives like Beyond Education may point to a new blueprint for private sector leadership, one where impact is measured not just in profit, but in people empowered.
Business
Royal African Society marks 125 years of Africa – Britain Businesses
The anniversary featured the Closing of Markets Ceremony and ringing of the exchange’s closing bell, alongside high-level sector discussions, fireside chats, the presentation of philanthropy awards and the unveiling of the Top African Brands in the UK and Top British Brands in Africa.
• Arunma Oteh, Chairperson of the Royal African Society
The Royal African Society has marked 125 years anniversary of Africa and Britain businesses and investments at a ceremony held at the London Stock Exchange.
The Wednesday event brought together the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu; Chief Executive Officer of British International Investment, Leslie Maasdorp; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Olugbenga “GB” Agboola; Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal African Society, Stella Okotete; and other business, diplomatic and policy leaders.
Chairperson of the Royal African Society, Arunma Oteh, said that the organisation had spent 125 years fostering partnerships between both regions.
Oteh said that the celebration was aimed at deepening collaboration between Africa and the UK while promoting investment, innovation and shared prosperity.
The anniversary featured the Closing of Markets Ceremony and ringing of the exchange’s closing bell, alongside high-level sector discussions, fireside chats, the presentation of philanthropy awards and the unveiling of the Top African Brands in the UK and Top British Brands in Africa.
Business
US subjects imports from Nigeria to 12.5% tariff
The tariff affects imports from 60 economies that Washington says have not “imposed and effectively enforced a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.”
The United States has imposed a 12.5 per cent tariff on imports from Nigeria as part of a new trade measure targeting countries it says have failed to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labour.
The tariff affects imports from 60 economies that Washington says have not “imposed and effectively enforced a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.”
The measure was announced in a statement posted on the website of the Office of the United States Trade Representative on Thursday.
Nigeria is among the countries subject to the 12.5 per cent tariff, while India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico and the United Kingdom will face a lower 10 per cent rate after adopting or committing to implement bans on imports linked to forced labour.
The move follows investigations launched by the USTR in May 2026 into 60 of the United States’ largest trading partners under Section 301 of the Trade Act.
According to the agency, it received more than 1,600 written submissions, held public hearings involving over 100 witnesses, and consulted more than 45 governments before announcing the tariffs.
Business
MTN Nigeria asks customers to trade old SIM packs for prizes
MTN named eight collection centres across the country where customers can deposit their items. The locations cover Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Jos, Delta, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.
MTN Nigeria has invited customers to bring in old SIM packs, recharge cards, booster cards, dongles, and MTN-branded phones in exchange for prizes.
The telecom giant is running the campaign the under the hashtag #YelloMoments.
MTN launched the campaign on Wednesday, July 23, via its official social media pages, telling followers that items kept in drawers over the years could be worth something.
Customers who participate will also be featured on what MTN described as a “Memory Wall.”
Collection centres across Nigeria
MTN named eight collection centres across the country where customers can deposit their items. The locations cover Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Jos, Delta, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.
In Lagos, customers can visit MTN Plaza at No. 1 Awolowo Road, Falomo, Ikoyi, or the office at 43 Allen Avenue, Ikeja. In Abuja, the collection point is at No. 4, Medeira Street, Maitama.
In Kano, it is at 2, Civil Centre Road. In Jos, Plateau State, the centre is at Plot 3119, Royalfield Road.
In Asaba, Delta State, the location is KLM 129, Benin–Asaba Expressway. In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, customers can go to 234, Old Aba Expressway, Opposite Hannah Fast Food.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, the drop-off point is at MTN Regional Office 1, Olubadan Avenue and Up/Zartech Road, Oluyole Estate.
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