Bank To Raise Funds For Classroom Construction In Northern Nigeria

Access Bank UK is set to host its annual Polo Day in Windsor in 2026, with proceeds from the event earmarked for the construction of additional classroom blocks in underserved communities across Northern Nigeria.

The initiative is aimed at addressing the persistent shortage of learning facilities in the region, where the gap between the number of school-age children and available classrooms continues to hinder access to education.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Managing Director of The Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, said the annual Polo Day has evolved into a platform that not only fosters relationships among global leaders but also delivers meaningful social impact.

“Every year, we bring together an extraordinary community of leaders from across the world. People come to strengthen relationships, explore new possibilities, and contribute to something that matters.

What matters most is the chance to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of young Nigerians who simply need a place to learn,” Simmonds said.

According to Access Bank, millions of children across Northern Nigeria remain out of school due to factors such as poverty, long distances to schools and, in many cases, the absence of basic learning infrastructure.

The bank noted that for many families in these communities, access to a classroom is still a luxury rather than a given.

“Access Bank has been changing that. Bricks and mortar matter. A classroom block does not just give children somewhere to sit; it signals to a community that their children’s futures are worth investing in. It draws teachers. It gives girls a reason, and a safer route, to stay in education. It plants something durable in a place that often feels forgotten by the institutions that should be paying attention. This is the logic behind Access Bank’s commitment,” the bank stated.

The bank further stressed that financial inclusion and human development are closely linked, noting that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without investing in education.

“Access Bank has long recognised that financial inclusion and human development are not parallel pursuits, but one continuous journey. A resilient economy cannot be built on an undereducated workforce, nor can a generation be empowered without first equipping it with the tools to learn,” it said.

According to the bank, the classroom blocks to be funded through the 2026 Polo Day represent a strategic investment in long-term economic development rather than merely a humanitarian intervention.