Access POLO FOR EDUCATION
The Access Polo for Education initiative, empowering underprivileged children through education in partnership with UNICEF and Fifth Chukker.
— ABOUT THE ACCESS BANK POLO TOURNAMENT
The Access Bank Polo Tournament, in partnership with the Fifth Chukker Resort, is dedicated to empowering underprivileged children through education. This charity tournament aims to raise funds for the construction of 120 classroom blocks in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
With over 60 classroom blocks already completed and 60 more underway, the initiative is making a tangible difference in improving access to quality education for children in need.
In addition, this initiative plays a critical role in supporting UNICEF's education intervention project, driving lasting change for underprivileged communities and helping to secure a brighter future for the next generation.
Through this initiative, we have made significant strides in supporting the UNICEF education intervention project, positively impacting the lives of over 14,000 children. We remain committed to contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing quality education for Nigerian children and impacting lives positively.
WHY EDUCATION MATTERS TO US
By raising funds to construct classroom blocks and support educational programs, we provide these deserving children with access to quality education, enabling them to dream bigger and achieve their goals.
Our commitment to education has transformed thousands of children's lives by raising funds to build classrooms, provide essential resources, and ensure brighter futures for underprivileged communities.
By prioritizing the welfare of children and their access to education, we show that Access is not just a financial institution but a responsible partner invested in meaningful change.
SUMMARY OF PLEDGES AND DONATIONS
PLEDGED: N790,000,000.00
PLEDGED: N350,000,000.00
PLEDGED: N570,000,000.00
PLEDGED: N950,000,000.00
PLEDGED: N1,015,000,000.00
PLEDGED: N155,490,000.00
Access Bank UK Polo Day 2026: Fifteen Years of Purpose, Partnership, and Progress
The 2026 edition of the Access Bank UK Polo Day, hosted in partnership with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF marked more than 15 years of collective action in expanding educational access for Nigeria's most vulnerable children. What began as a modest initiative has grown into one of Africa's most impactful education programmes, with the Access Bank Fifth Chukker School in Kaduna State and its associated interventions positively impacting the lives of over 14,000 children across underserved communities in Northern Nigeria.
Since 2018, the school has produced 2,538 graduates, with girls making up over 54 percent of that number, a testament to the programme's role in advancing girls' education. Each year, over 1,000 pupils pass through its foundational learning programme, contributing to a 15 percent rise in learning outcomes, while teachers benefit from continued professional development and digital learning support.
Speaking at the event, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group CEO of Access Bank, reflected on the initiative's evolution from a dream of transforming 100 lives to a movement reshaping the futures of thousands, setting sights on reaching 28,000 children next. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani commended the partnership's role in restoring opportunity to underserved communities, revealing plans to add 120 new classrooms to the school.
With UNICEF’s stewardship and a growing coalition of advocates across continents, the Polo Day has evolved into a global platform for lasting change, demonstrating that when luxury meets legacy, lives are transformed.
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ACCESS BANK POLO FOR EDUCATION
A Legacy of Elegance, Purpose, and Impact
The Access Bank Polo Tournament, in partnership with the Fifth Chukker Resort, is dedicated to empowering underprivileged children through education. This charity tournament aims to raise funds for the construction of 120 classroom blocks in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
With over 60 classroom blocks already completed and 60 more underway, the initiative is making a tangible difference in improving access to quality education for children in need.
In addition, this initiative plays a critical role in supporting UNICEF's education intervention project, driving lasting change for underprivileged communities and helping to secure a brighter future for the next generation.
The 2025 edition of the Access Bank UK Polo Day, hosted in partnership with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF at the prestigious Guards Polo Club, once again brought together global changemakers in an inspiring display of sport and philanthropy.
Against the backdrop of luxury and high fashion, guests from royalty to captains of industry gathered not just to witness thrilling polo matches, but to support a mission: making quality education accessible to underserved communities in Northern Nigeria. Funds raised this year will directly contribute to the construction of additional classroom blocks, enhance learning conditions, and offer brighter futures to vulnerable children, especially girls previously excluded from the education system.
YEAR
ACCESS BANK POLO TOURNAMENT
OBJECTIVES OF THE TOURNAMENT
Build 120 classroom blocks in Kaduna State, to enhance educational infrastructure for underprivileged children
Increase enrollment and academic performance of students in Kaduna State through targeted educational interventions.
Empower surrounding communities by providing essential resources such as boreholes and vocational training equipment.
Strengthen partnerships with UNICEF, local authorities, and community leaders to maximize the impact of the intervention program and promote long-term sustainability.
DONATION SUMMARY
DONORS
CLASSROOMS
PLEDGED
MOMENTS IN PICTURES
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Access Bank Polo Day 2023
As part of its continued support of UNICEF, Access Holdings Plc, along with 5th Chukker, The Access Bank UK Ltd and Access Private Bank hosted the Access Bank Polo Day at the Guards Polo Club, Windsor on Saturday 15th July 2023.
The day was filled with two exciting polo matches between Malcomines, Delaney, Fifth Chukker, and Access Bank. On the field, Malcomines Polo won the Khalifa Cup, beating Delaney Polo 7-4 over four chukkas. However, Delaney Polo’s Damian Duncan, who had a standout game in the number one position, was rewarded with the Access Bank Most Valuable Player prize.
The second match of the day, saw a win for Access Bank. They beat Fifth Chukker 4-3 in a fast-paced game that featured some of the sport’s top players including Juan Martin Nero, Polito Pieres, Alfredo Bigatti and Guillermo Terrera. Access Bank’s Sayyu Dantata received the Most Valuable Player prize from Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II – Emir of Kano. He then stepped up to receive the Access Bank Best Playing Pony prize for Bayita, whom he had played in the fourth chukka.
- THE MATCH EVENT
After the prize giving, guests adjourned to the marquee for an enjoyable celebration which featured a performance by the Cavemen.
Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director of Access Holdings PLC and Chairman of The Access Bank UK Ltd, said: “Our continuing support for the Fifth Chukker – UNICEF initiative reflects our role as a change agent in Nigeria and Africa that can help institute socio-economic development through responsible business practice, social initiatives and environmental consideration.”
The Access Bank UK Ltd CEO and Managing Director, Jamie Simmonds, added that the successful Charity event at Guard’s Polo with Fifth Chukker is a tradition, and it is only possible due to the loyalty of the customers.
Since the launch of the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative, schools in Kaduna have been rebuilt, ensuring continuous education for more than 12,000 students. New classroom blocks and a computer literacy center have been developed, all within a safer and more welcoming school environment. Additionally, the surrounding communities have been supported with boreholes, as well as sewing and grinding machines, helping to secure employment and stimulate both economic and social development.
The Access Bank UK Ltd CEO and Managing Director, Jamie Simmonds, added that the successful Charity event at Guard’s Polo with Fifth Chukker is a tradition and it is only possible due to the loyalty of the customers.
Since the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative was started it has rebuilt schools in Kaduna and has kept more than 12,000 students in continuous education. At the same time new school blocks and a computer literacy building all in a more secure and friendly school environment have been developed. The communities surrounding the schools are supported with boreholes for water and sewing and grinding machines to secure employment and stimulate economic and social development.
