Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and financial inclusion by providing financial literacy training to students in Katsina State as part of activities marking Global Money Week 2026.
The initiative, held at Community Day Secondary School, Tsaski Yan’albasa, in Charanchi Local Government Area, reached 90 students and 10 teachers, equipping them with practical knowledge on savings, budgeting, responsible spending, goal-setting and informed financial decision-making.
The programme forms part of Polaris Bank’s ongoing participation in Global Money Week, a worldwide campaign designed to promote financial education among young people and support broader efforts to enhance economic citizenship, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. It also aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s drive to expand financial literacy and access to financial services across the country.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, said financial education remains critical to raising a generation of responsible and economically empowered citizens.
“Financial literacy is one of the most important building blocks for a financially responsible society. When young people understand the principles of saving, budgeting and making sound financial decisions early in life, they are better prepared to seize opportunities, avoid costly mistakes and contribute positively to economic growth,” he said.
Lawal noted that the bank’s continued involvement in Global Money Week reflects its long-term commitment to youth development, financial inclusion and sustainable community impact.
According to him, the programme goes beyond teaching students how to save money, focusing instead on helping them understand the connection between discipline, planning, financial responsibility and future success.
The training session featured expert-led presentations covering a wide range of topics, including the importance of cultivating a savings culture, financial discipline, goal-setting, smart spending habits and the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria in the nation’s financial system.
Students also participated in discussions on banking fundamentals and the influence of peer pressure on financial choices. Facilitators highlighted the role of financial institutions in helping individuals manage and grow their resources while encouraging students to make independent and responsible financial decisions.
Another segment focused on financial responsibility and legitimate income opportunities for young people, stressing the importance of developing healthy money habits early in life to support educational and personal aspirations.
Representing the Managing Director at the event, Group Head, Kano Group, Polaris Bank, Dahiru Tukur, simplified key regulatory and financial concepts for the students and led an engaging “Smart Money Talk” session.
“The financial choices you make today, however small, can have a lasting impact on your future. Learning to save, spend wisely and resist negative financial influences is an important step toward becoming financially independent and responsible adults,” Tukur told the students.
To encourage practical application of the lessons, participants were introduced to the Polaris Young Achievers Account, a product designed to promote savings among young people. Students were also guided through account-opening requirements and the benefits of developing a savings culture from an early age.
The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students demonstrated a strong interest in financial management topics. Branded educational materials and gift items were also distributed to reinforce key learning outcomes.
Principal of Community Day Secondary School, Samaila Umar Sanda, commended the bank for bringing practical financial education directly to students.
“Programmes like this bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-life financial decisions. Polaris Bank is helping to nurture a generation that understands the value of money, embraces saving and is better equipped to make sound economic choices,” he said.
The initiative further underscores Polaris Bank’s role as a responsible corporate institution committed to education, youth development, financial inclusion and sustainable social impact. Through Global Money Week and similar programmes, the bank continues to support national efforts aimed at equipping young Nigerians with essential financial skills and strengthening participation in the formal economy.
The programme also aligns with Polaris Bank’s commitment to the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP-FI) Principles for Responsible Banking, particularly its focus on clients, customers, financial health and inclusion.
