For more than a decade, Access Bank, Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club and UNICEF have worked together with a shared ambition: to create lasting educational opportunities for underserved children and communities in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
What began as a charity polo initiative has evolved into one of Africa’s most respected long-term philanthropy and education partnerships connected to sport — demonstrating how collaboration between business, philanthropy and community leadership can drive meaningful and measurable social impact.
Through the Access Bank–UNICEF Charity Shield Polo initiative, millions of dollars have been mobilised to rebuild schools, expand classroom infrastructure, and support safer, more inclusive learning environments for thousands of children facing barriers to education. Through such achievements, the charity can continue to contribute to the globally recognised Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Hosted in partnership with UNICEF and Fifth Chukker, the annual Access Bank Cup has evolved into far more than a sporting event. Now, it is a key platform for driving meaningful change through education. It brings together change-makers, global leaders, philanthropists, and polo enthusiasts for an unforgettable day of world-class polo at the iconic Windsor Guards Polo Club.
The event is the culmination of a months-long tournament, and in these finals, the high-goal teams will compete for the Access Bank Cup and the Access Bank Shield. Beyond competition on the field, the event creates an opportunity to mobilise support and increase awareness of the need for greater global access to quality education.
The partnership has helped finance and develop more than 120 classroom blocks across Kaduna State, with recent phases delivering 30 classroom blocks between 2023 and 2024 and a further 60 classrooms currently under development in Maraban Jos. Alongside educational infrastructure, the initiative has also supported broader community development through clean water projects, vocational support and child welfare initiatives. All in all, these investments ensure that thousands of children are given a chance to experience safer learning environments with improved educational resources and opportunities.
Over the years, this initiative has raised millions of dollars in support of several educational development projects in Nigeria, positively impacting more than 14,000 children. This included funding for the construction of classroom blocks, educational facilities, and community support projects in underserved communities across Nigeria.
At the heart of the initiative is a belief that education remains one of the most powerful tools for long-term transformation — not only for children, but for families, communities and future generations.
Today, the initiative is supported by Access Bank’s growing international footprint and its commitment to creating sustainable impact across the communities it serves. As one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, with operations spanning Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Access Bank Group continues to leverage its global network to connect partners, mobilise resources and support initiatives that deliver lasting social and economic value.
Jamie Simmonds, Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director of The Access Bank UK Limited, said: “Education is one of the most important investments any society can make in its future. What makes this partnership particularly powerful is its longevity and the measurable impact it continues to deliver for children and communities. As Access Group continues to grow as a global institution, we remain committed to using our international network, relationships and resources to support initiatives that create meaningful opportunities and lasting change. The success of this partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations unite behind a shared purpose.”
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings Plc, commented: “The lasting success of this initiative reflects the power of long-term thinking and a shared commitment to creating opportunity. As we continue to expand our influence on the global stage, we have a responsibility to ensure that growth is matched by meaningful social impact. The Access Bank – UNICEF Charity Shield Polo initiative is a powerful example of how partnerships can help create lasting change and invest in the next generation of leaders.”
UNICEF Nigeria
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and realise their full potential. The long-standing partnership between UNICEF, Access Bank and Fifth Chukker has shown how sustained commitment can translate into real change for children and communities. The classrooms, learning environments and community initiatives supported through this collaboration are helping to remove barriers to education and create opportunities for some of the most vulnerable children. We are proud of what has been achieved together and look forward to continuing this important work.”
Adamu Atta, Founder and Chairman, Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club
“What started as a vision to use sport as a force for good has grown into a partnership that is transforming lives through education. The Access Bank–UNICEF Charity Shield Polo initiative demonstrates that polo can be much more than a sporting event; it can be a platform for bringing people together to address some of society’s most pressing challenges. We are incredibly proud of the impact achieved over the years and grateful to our partners, supporters and sponsors whose commitment continues to make a lasting difference for children and communities across Kaduna State.”
As the partnership continues to grow, the initiative is increasingly recognised not simply as a sporting or fundraising event, but as a purpose-led platform bringing together global stakeholders, partners and supporters around a shared commitment to education, opportunity and sustainable impact.
What distinguishes this partnership from others is its ability to transform a yearly event into a stimulus for long-term, measurable impact. Each year, the Access Bank Cup provides a means for sporting fans to contribute to initiatives that expand access to quality education, generating greater support for projects that deliver benefits beyond the final whistle. The event demonstrates the importance of long-term investment and collaboration in continuing sustainable development.
This year’s Access Bank Polo Day on 4th July at Windsor Guards Polo Club continues that mission under the evolving theme of “Polo With Purpose” — reinforcing the role sport can play in connecting influence with impact and helping create lasting pathways for future generations.
In a world where long-term collaboration and measurable outcomes matter more than ever, the partnership stands as an example of how sustained investment, shared responsibility and collective action can help drive meaningful change at scale.
For more information, visit the Access Bank Polo website.
Images courtesy of Access Bank–UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Initiative.