Polaris Bank Extends Global Money Week Outreach, Equips Tsaski Yan’albasa Students with Financial Skills

Polaris Bank Extends Global Money Week Outreach, Equips Tsaski Yan’albasa Students with Financial Skills
By prince Benson Davies

Polaris Bank Limited has extended its financial literacy campaign to Katsina State, training students and teachers at Community Day Secondary School, Tsaski Yan’albasa in Charanchi Local Government Area. The session was held on June 9, 2026 as part of the Bank’s contribution to Global Money Week, a worldwide initiative that promotes financial education for young people.

The outreach brought together 90 students and 10 teachers for an interactive session on practical money management. Facilitators broke down key topics including how to save consistently, create simple budgets, spend responsibly, understand basic banking, set financial goals, handle peer pressure, and make informed choices from an early age. The programme aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s drive for deeper financial inclusion and supports Global Money Week’s focus on economic citizenship, entrepreneurship, and responsible money habits.

Speaking on the initiative, Polaris Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kayode Lawal, said the Bank views financial literacy as a critical tool for nation building. He explained that when young people learn to save, budget and make disciplined financial choices early, they stand a better chance of avoiding costly mistakes and contributing positively to the economy. According to him, Polaris Bank’s participation in Global Money Week reflects a long term commitment to youth development, community impact, and inclusion. He stressed that the goal is not only to teach students how to save but to help them see the link between discipline, planning, responsibility, and future success. The Bank, he added, will continue to support platforms that bring financial education to young people, particularly in communities where early exposure can change outcomes.

The session was structured into expert led modules. It opened with an overview of Global Money Week and why a strong savings culture matters, anchored by Mr. Patrick Sule. Discussions covered the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria in the financial system, the importance of financial discipline, how to set realistic goals, and ways to develop smart spending habits. Another segment focused on banking essentials and peer influence. Students learned how banks help customers protect, manage, and grow money, and they were encouraged to make independent and responsible decisions despite lifestyle pressures. Facilitators also addressed legitimate ways young people can earn and manage money, emphasizing that good financial habits formed early can support both personal growth and educational goals.

Representing the Managing Director at the outreach, Mr. Dahiru Tukur, Group Head, Kano Group, Polaris Bank, simplified regulatory concepts for the audience. He also led a “Smart Money Talk” session to reinforce the day’s lessons. Addressing the students, he said the money decisions they make today, no matter how small, can shape their future. He noted that learning to save, spend wisely, and resist negative financial pressure is a major step toward becoming responsible and independent adults. He reaffirmed Polaris Bank’s pride in being part of that journey with them.

To make the learning practical, the Bank introduced students to the Polaris Young Achievers account. The team explained its benefits for building early savings habits, outlined account opening requirements, and presented suitable product options for young savers. The programme closed with a question and answer segment where students asked thoughtful questions about money, banking, and future plans. Branded gift items were distributed to help reinforce the key lessons shared.

Principal of Community Day Secondary School, Samaila Umar Sanda, commended Polaris Bank for its relatable and practical approach. He said programmes like this help students connect classroom learning with real life financial decisions. By engaging them early, he noted, Polaris Bank is helping to build a generation that understands money, values savings, and can make better economic choices. He thanked the Bank for bringing the programme to the school and described the lessons as timely and practical. Students, he added, learnt that money management starts with discipline, planning, and the right attitude.

Through engagements like this, Polaris Bank continues to demonstrate its role as a responsible corporate citizen focused on education, youth development, financial inclusion, and sustainable community impact. The Bank’s participation in Global Money Week and similar initiatives advances national efforts to equip young Nigerians with skills for informed financial decisions and active participation in the formal economy.

The initiative also reflects Polaris Bank’s commitment to the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative Principles for Responsible Banking, particularly Principle 3 which focuses on clients and customers, and the Bank’s commitment to financial health and inclusion. By promoting financial literacy among young people, Polaris Bank supports universal financial inclusion, helps individuals build financial resilience, and contributes to a more financially healthy and empowered society.