Keystone Bank Ltd. has handed over newly renovated and equipped classroom blocks, an administrative building, a school hall, and a science laboratory to St. Jude Secondary School in Ihiala, Anambra State, underscoring its growing role in supporting educational development across Nigeria.
The handover ceremony, held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, was attended by Anambra State Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, senior state officials, and top executives of the lender. The project, part of Keystone’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, aims to provide an improved learning environment for students and teachers in underserved communities.
“Education is not just about buildings or infrastructure; it is about creating an environment where dreams can grow and young people can realise their full potential,” said Ada Chukwudozie, chair of Keystone Bank. “This project is a testament to our belief that the private sector has a vital role to play in nation-building.”
Chukwudozie added that the bank would continue to support transformative projects across the country, aligning with national goals on human capital development and inclusive growth.
Hassan Imam, managing director and chief executive officer of the bank, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future. “Education stands as the very foundation of a thriving society,” Imam said. “At Keystone Bank, we believe that investing in education is one of the most powerful ways to contribute to national progress.”
Soludo commended the bank for what he called a “model partnership between government and the private sector.” He said the intervention complements his administration’s priority focus on education and health as the twin pillars of sustainable development.
“I sincerely appreciate Keystone Bank for this great feat,” Soludo said. “Without education, no nation can make meaningful progress. Every classroom we build, every child we empower, and every teacher we support brings us one step closer to the prosperous and enlightened Anambra of our dreams.”
Soludo, a former central bank governor, has placed emphasis on public-private collaboration to improve infrastructure and human capital across Anambra. His government has launched several education and digital skills programmes in partnership with financial institutions and tech firms.
Keystone Bank, one of Nigeria’s mid-tier lenders, has expanded its CSR initiatives in recent years to include education, health, and environmental sustainability. The St. Jude Secondary School project adds to a series of community-focused interventions the bank has implemented nationwide, from digital literacy projects to women’s empowerment schemes.
The renovated facilities include fully furnished classrooms, a multipurpose hall, a modern administrative office, and a refurbished science laboratory. The bank also provided desks, laboratory equipment, and learning materials.
“Education equips the next generation of leaders to shape the future,” Imam said. “We are proud to partner with the Anambra State Government in nurturing the next generation.”
Among those present at the event were the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Ngozi Chuma Udeh; the commissioner for Industry, Christian Udechukwu; and the Oluoha and clan Head of Ihiala, HRH Thomas Ikenna Amuta Obidiegwu.
The project reflects a broader trend of Nigerian corporates taking active roles in supporting state-led educational reforms amid budget constraints and infrastructural deficits. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, education spending in Nigeria remains below 10% of total public expenditure, leaving gaps that the private sector has increasingly helped to fill through CSR and impact-driven initiatives.
For Keystone Bank, such projects are not just philanthropy but strategic investments in social stability and long-term economic growth. “The future of Nigeria is in the hands of these young people,” Imam said. “With the right education and guidance, they will achieve great things.”