Stanbic IBTC, a leading financial service provider in Nigeria and a member of the Standard Bank Group, took a step towards enhancing education and fostering sustainable development in communities across Nigeria. The Group announced that it adopted four schools under its Adopt-a-School programme.
The schools selected for adoption were Methodist School Mbiafun Nkwono Ikono, Akwa Ibom State; Aramoko District School, Aramoko Ekiti State; Magin Rafi Model Primary School Tudun Wada,Sokoto State; and Mala Kachallah Model School, Maiduguri,Borno State.
Dr. Demola Sogunle, CEO of Stanbic IBTC, underscored the strategic importance of the initiative, stating:
“Our commitment to adopting these schools reflects our dedication to implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies as part of our core business practices. We believe in promoting sustainability and making a positive impact on communities.”
Dr. Demola also emphasized on the socio-economic benefits of the initiative, he said:
“Education is a cornerstone for societal development. By adopting these schools, we are not only contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 but also investing in the future of these communities.”
As part of the transformative exercise, Stanbic IBTC renovated and rebuilt classroom blocks, provided modern and conducive learning environments, furnished classrooms, established computer laboratories, and provided necessary digital resources to empower students.
Furthermore, Stanbic IBTC created an inclusive and supportive educational ecosystem through the provision of 10-seater workstations and the renovation of toilet blocks, ensuring provision of required resources for the students.
Stanbic IBTC showcased its commitment to sustainable construction practices by prioritizing passive cooling and ventilation techniques, water conservation through rainwater harvesting, construction of water-efficient plumbing systems, and installation of energy-efficient appliances and lighting solutions on the facilities.
In addition, Stanbic IBTC prioritized the sustainable use of local resources to minimize emissions from transportation and support the local economy. Skills development was integral, with the deployment and training of local craftsmen for ongoing infrastructure maintenance. The Group also integrated climate-adaptive landscaping, ensuring resilience against the impacts of climate change.
Dr. Demola concluded by reiterating Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship:
“Our goal is to make a lasting positive impact on communities through our initiatives and enabling sustainable and thriving environments for generations to come.”
The Adopt-a-School programme is structured upon Stanbic IBTC’s Social, Environmental, and Economic (SEE) framework, and it aligns with the Group’s mission to be a responsible corporate citizen.