₦2 billion in scholarships for 600 Nigerians. Dear Fellow Nigerians, Today, I write to you not only as the Vice Chancellor of Miva Open University but also as a firm believer in education's transformative power and our youth's limitless potential. We are witnessing something extraordinary. Sterling Bank has committed ₦2B over 36 months to provide 600 full-tuition university scholarships through the "Beyond Education" initiative. This is not just corporate philanthropy – this is nation-building in action. This partnership represents everything education should be: Accessible – No JAMB scores required, no connections needed Inclusive – Priority for underserved women, with dedicated slots for men Democratic – Sterling Bank account holders across Nigeria get to vote for their preferred candidates Transparent - Open nomination process begins June 12, 2025. Complete - 100% tuition coverage for all NUC-accredited degree programmes At Miva Open University, we have always believed that access should not limit ambition. Founded with the goal of redefining higher education, we offer flexible, affordable, and high-quality education via our innovative blended-online model, which is supported by community hubs throughout Nigeria. To Sterling Bank, we say thank you. Thank you for seeing what we see: Nigeria's most valuable asset is not in the ground but in the minds and hearts of its people. Your investment in the HEART sectors (Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation) is a testament to your commitment to national development. To young Nigerians aged 16-35: Your moment is here. Whether you are nominating yourself or someone deserving in your community, this is your opportunity to access world-class education without the traditional barriers that have held so many back. To Sterling Bank account holders: You hold the power to change lives. Your votes will determine who among the nominees receives these life-changing scholarships. This is democracy in education – where communities choose who they believe deserves the opportunity to rise. To the broader Nigerian community: This is what partnerships should look like. When the private sector invests genuinely in human capital development, when financial institutions look beyond profit to purpose, and when educational institutions open their doors wider – this is how we build the Nigeria we all envision. The future of Nigeria is not a distant dream. It is being written today, one scholarship at a time, one student at a time, one opportunity at a time. Together, we are not just educating individuals – we are empowering a generation. Sterling Bank understands that investing in education is investing in Nigeria's tomorrow. We at Miva Open University are honoured to be their partner in this transformative journey. The nomination period opens June 12, 2025, at https://lnkd.in/djqPQekm Let us make every nomination count. Let us make every vote matter. The future starts now.