Sterling Bank has partnered with Educare, an education consultancy firm, to launch the South-East Mathematics and Science Olympiad. The initiative aims to identify, nurture, and celebrate exceptional young minds in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) across the region. The programme seeks to equip secondary school students with analytical skills required to thrive in a global knowledge economy. This partnership is part of Sterling Bank's commitment to cultivating Nigeria's next generation of innovators.
The Olympiad was formally unveiled during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held at Sterling Bank's headquarters in Marina, Lagos. According to the partners, the programme comes at a defining moment for Nigeria's demographic and human capital trajectory. UNICEF's 2026 report on public finance for basic education projects that Nigeria's child population will surge by 8.5 per cent to approximately 130 million by 2034. This makes institutional platforms that reinforce foundational learning in core STEM disciplines critical to securing the nation's long-term economic competitiveness.
The competition will offer participating students a rigorous platform to benchmark their knowledge, refine critical problem-solving skills, and push beyond traditional classroom curricula. The Chief Growth Officer at Sterling Bank, Edward Ogunmekan, stated that the Olympiad aims to bridge the structural gap between latent talent and viable development opportunities. This initiative is part of Sterling Bank's HEART strategy, which prioritises Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation.
The Chief Executive Officer of Educare, Alex Onyia, stressed the indispensable role of private-sector capital in educational transformation. He noted that sustainable national progress depends on substantial investments in the upcoming generation. The partnership expands on the existing Sterling Online Maths Quiz initiative by incorporating integrated science subjects into the curriculum.
The Group Head of Education Finance at Sterling Bank, Yonodu Okeugo, explained that the competition will help spotlight institutions consistently nurturing academic excellence. This will enable stakeholders to adapt and scale successful pedagogical models nationwide. The Olympiad is expected to have a positive impact on the education sector in Nigeria's Southeast region.
The programme is designed to stimulate keen academic interest in STEM across the region. By providing a competitive platform for students, the Olympiad aims to encourage students to pursue careers in these fields. This initiative is a significant step towards addressing the country's educational needs and promoting economic growth.
The partnership between Sterling Bank and Educare is a notable effort to improve education in Nigeria. With a focus on STEM education, the Olympiad has the potential to produce a new generation of innovators and leaders in the region. The programme's impact will be closely watched by stakeholders in the education sector.
Key points
- The partnership aims to promote STEM education in Nigeria's Southeast region.
- The Olympiad seeks to identify and nurture exceptional young minds in STEM fields.
- The programme is part of Sterling Bank's commitment to cultivating Nigeria's next generation of innovators.
