Access Bank UK has announced plans to use funds raised from its annual Polo Day event in Windsor in 2026 to build additional classroom blocks in underserved communities across Northern Nigeria.
The initiative is part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to improve access to education in areas where many children struggle to attend school due to inadequate learning facilities. In several communities across Northern Nigeria, the number of school-age children continues to exceed the available classrooms, making quality education difficult to access.
Speaking ahead of the event, Managing Director of Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, said the annual Polo Day has become more than just a social gathering. According to him, the event now serves as a platform where global leaders and business executives come together to build relationships while supporting meaningful causes.
Simmonds explained that every year, the event attracts influential individuals from different parts of the world who are interested in networking, exploring opportunities, and contributing to projects that positively impact society. He noted that one of the most important goals of the initiative is to create lasting change in the lives of young Nigerians by providing them with safe and suitable places to learn.
Access Bank highlighted that millions of children in Northern Nigeria remain out of school because of challenges such as poverty, long distances to educational facilities, and the lack of proper classroom infrastructure. The bank stated that for many families in these communities, having access to a school building is still a major challenge.
The financial institution emphasized that constructing classroom blocks goes beyond providing physical structures. According to the bank, new classrooms help create better learning environments, attract qualified teachers, and encourage more children—especially girls—to remain in school. Improved school facilities also give communities confidence that their children’s future is valued and supported.
Access Bank further explained that its commitment to education is connected to its broader vision of promoting economic and social development. The bank believes that financial inclusion and human development are closely linked and that long-term economic progress depends on educating the next generation.
The organization noted that a strong economy cannot be built without a skilled and educated workforce. It also stressed that young people need access to learning opportunities if they are to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
According to the bank, the classroom projects that will be funded through the 2026 Polo Day should not be viewed simply as charitable donations. Instead, they represent strategic investments in the future of Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.
By expanding educational infrastructure, Access Bank hopes to help more children gain access to quality learning, improve community development, and support long-term economic growth. The initiative reflects the bank’s belief that education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and building stronger societies.
