E-Financial
Sterling Bank Launches Tech-based Solutions for Stakeholders in the Nigerian Education Sector
Sterling Bank has recently launched Edubanc; an innovative tech-based solution to provide banking and social services for stakeholders in the education sector.
The solution aims to improve current learning outcomes and business growth for students, parents, and providers of educational services.
Mr. Damian Umeasala, General Manager of Edubanc, stated at the launch in Lagos over the weekend, “Education has always been the cornerstone of progress, development, and growth in any economy in the world today.
“However, financial constraints often hinder the dreams and potential of countless individuals.
“At Edubanc, we firmly believe everyone should have equal access to quality education, regardless of their financial status “This is why we have created a solution that aims to remove the financial barriers that prevent individuals from realizing their educational goals.”
He described Edubanc as a robust platform that provides students, parents, and educational institutions, a seamless route to secure funding, pay tuition, and access other value-added services.
According to him, products on the platform offer bespoke loan options with flexible repayment plans at competitive interest rates to ensure education remains within everyone’s reach.
“We understand the unique challenges students and families face in today’s dynamic world. This is why Edubanc goes above and beyond traditional financing models by incorporating advanced technologies in the development of products such as Edpay, School Management System, free teachers training, and online tuition collection services,” Umeasala explained.
He revealed that through these cutting-edge offerings, the platform has helped over 3,000 children remain in school, relieved the financial burden of 1,200 parents, granted free training to over 350 teachers, and introduced operational efficiency to about 1,000 schools.
He added that the offerings have also helped parents and students make informed decisions about their educational investment.
“We are committed to partnering with leading educational institutions to provide a holistic solution that addresses the financial aspects and fosters a supportive and nurturing learning environment.
Our collaboration with schools, tech educational institutions, and vocational institutes ensures that Edubanc aligns with their educational goals and values,” Umeasala said.
He said that as Edubanc embarks on a journey to empower countless individuals to pursue their dreams and unlock their true potential, they envision a future where education knows no financial boundaries and every dreamer can aspire and achieve.
Chief Yomi Otubela, National President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), also spoke, citing gender disparities, insufficient access to education, insecurity, and poor infrastructural facilities as some of the educational sector’s challenges.
He expressed the need to invest in the education system because “when we invest in it, we are investing in our future.”
Otubela said there is also a need to reform the educational curriculum to make it dynamic, relevant, and in line with global standards, adding that there is a need to emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, as well as honesty, hard work, selflessness, and service to humanity.
Mrs. Njideka Nwabueze, Sterling Bank’s Head of Education Finance, moderated a panel discussion on “The current state of Education in Nigeria, Future prospects and what we need to do differently”. A few notable mentions were Rachel Onoja, Head of Operations at AltSchool, Francis Ogunlaja, Financial Controller at Decagon, Henry Nnalue, CEO at Allpro Technologies, and many others.
Ecobank Nigeria has announced the successful repayment of the outstanding principal and accrued interest on its original $300 million Eurobond due February 16, 2026, marking a significant milestone in its liability management strategy and overall balance sheet strengthening efforts.
Following the full repayment of the Eurobond obligations, the Bank stated that it will now focus its funding initiatives primarily on the domestic capital markets. T
his strategic shift reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s local debt market and aligns with Ecobank Nigeria’s long-term objective of optimising funding costs while deepening its participation in the domestic financial ecosystem.
“Going forward, Ecobank Nigeria will prioritise domestic credit ratings and local debt issuance to achieve its funding objectives,” stated Ogorchukwu Okwechime, Financial Controller, Ecobank Nigeria, in Lagos.
He added that the successful repayment reinforces the Bank’s commitment to maintaining a resilient balance sheet and sustaining investor confidence.
The tender offer was conducted with Renaissance Capital Africa (Renaissance Securities Nigeria Limited) acting as financial adviser and dealer manager, while Sodali & Co Limited served as tender agent.
The notes were originally issued by EBN Finance Company B.V., with limited recourse to the issuer, for the sole purpose of financing the purchase of the US$300 million 7.125 per cent Senior Note due 2026 issued by Ecobank Nigeria.
The transaction underscores Ecobank Nigeria’s proactive approach to liability management, prudent capital planning, and strategic alignment with evolving market conditions.
It further positions the Bank to leverage domestic funding opportunities while maintaining financial flexibility and operational stability.
Bank of Industry (BOI) has received approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operate a Non-Interest Banking (NIB) Window.
Theodora Amechi, bank’s divisional head, Public Relations, said the regulatory nod allows BOI to launch non-interest banking operations, targeting underserved business segments with tailored financial solutions to support Nigeria’s industrial development.
BOI stated that NIB operations will promote inclusive growth, attract ethical funding, bolster the real economy, and finance customer assets and raw materials using approved non-interest products.
“This approval authorises BOI to commence Non-Interest Banking operations, positioning the bank to further advance Nigeria’s sustainable and inclusive industrial development through tailored financial solutions for underserved and high-impact business segments.
“The Non-interest Banking operations will enable BOI to drive inclusive growth, mobilise new ethical funding, expand support for the real economy, and align its financing activities with social and developmental objectives.
According to the bank, under this framework, BOI will be able to finance customers’ assets and raw materials using approved Non-Interest Banking products.
Announcing this milestone, Dr Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO, Bank of Industry, said, “This licence marks a pivotal moment in the Bank’s journey of transforming Nigeria’s industrial sector. With this licence, we can reach a new category of borrowers who, before now, could not be served.”
He said the approval underscores the CBN’s confidence in the Bank’s commitment to responsible financing, adding that it will allow the bank to scale its operations, introduce innovative financing solutions, and deepen support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as other underserved segments critical to Nigeria’s sustainable economic growth.
“BOI’s decision to commence Non-Interest Banking operations is aimed at expanding access to ethical funding for businesses—particularly those that have traditionally avoided conventional interest-based financing.
This initiative opens new opportunities for ethically motivated and faith-sensitive enterprises, as well as segments of the economy that face challenges accessing traditional credit.
It enables such businesses to access much-needed financing and participate confidently in the formal financial system in a manner consistent with their values and business realities.
Bank of Industry (BOI) is Nigeria’s foremost Development Finance Institution, committed to driving industrial growth and inclusive economic development,” Olusi said.
Established in 1959 as the Investment Company of Nigeria (ICON) and reconstituted as Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB) under World Bank guidance in 1964.
The Bank assumed its current form in 2001 following the merger of the Nigerian Bank for Commerce and Industry (NBCI) and the National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND).
The Bank’s primary mandate is to provide financial assistance for the establishment and expansion of large, medium, small-scale, and micro projects.
Zenith Bank Plc has cautioned the public against fraudulent videos circulating online falsely claiming that Group Chairman Dr. Jim Ovia endorses an investment scheme called “Wealth Bridge.”
Jim Ovia
In a disclaimer issued Tuesday by its management, the bank described the videos—circulated via the “Greece Island” Facebook handle—as entirely fake, doctored content bearing no connection to Dr. Ovia, the bank, or its affiliates.
The materials falsely promise up to N2 million in weekly returns for a N380,000 investment, while baselessly alleging Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) endorsement and redirecting viewers to a sham “Arise News” webpage with a signup portal.
“Our attention has been drawn to a doctored video and still pictures currently circulating on social media, purporting to depict the Group Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc (‘the Bank’) as endorsing an investment scheme called ‘Wealth Bridge’ on the ‘Greece Island’ Facebook handle and soliciting members of the public to engage in a business relationship with the so-called entity,” the statement read.
“This claim is entirely false and has no connection whatsoever to the Group Chairman, the Bank or any of its affiliate companies.”
Zenith Bank stressed that Dr. Ovia and the institution have no knowledge of or partnership with “Wealth Bridge,” “delicious sitee,” “AfriQuantumX,” “Stock market analyst 1,” or related entities. The public was warned that dealing with these schemes carries full personal risk.
Ravenewsonline urges vigilance against rising impersonation scams targeting financial institutions.
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