For more than twenty years, the Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament has shown how sport can go beyond entertainment to drive real social impact. Hosted every year at the Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club in Kaduna, the event has grown into a strong platform for education and community development in Northern Nigeria.
The initiative first began in 2003 as a small charity effort, but over time it has developed into one of the most influential private sector led programmes focused on supporting vulnerable children. Today, it continues to change lives across communities where access to education has long been a major challenge.
Access Bank came on board as the main sponsor in 2008, working alongside UNICEF and Fifth Chukker to raise funds aimed at improving educational opportunities for underprivileged and out of school children. Since then, the partnership has remained steady in its goal of expanding access to learning and creating better futures for young people in the region.
One of the most visible achievements of the project is the construction of more than 120 classroom blocks at the Access Bank and Fifth Chukker School Complex in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State. These facilities have helped increase school enrollment and given many children a better chance at receiving quality education within their communities.
The impact of the initiative extends beyond classrooms. It has also supported the distribution of school materials, uniforms, and other essential learning resources, while also contributing to programmes that focus on the welfare of children and support for families in need.
To broaden its reach and attract more support, Access Bank extended the initiative beyond Nigeria by introducing the Access Bank UK Charity Polo Day. This international platform has helped bring together business leaders, philanthropists, and development partners who contribute to sustaining education focused projects in Northern Nigeria.
According to Access Bank’s Group Managing Director, Roosevelt Ogbonna, the issue of out of school children remains a serious concern, especially in the northern region. He emphasized that addressing it requires strong partnerships and continued commitment from both private and public stakeholders to create lasting opportunities for future generations.
