LAPO Microfinance Bank Scholarships Transform Lives of 4,000 Students

LAPO Microfinance Bank has announced that over 4,000 students have benefited from its scholarship programme, which has disbursed ₦650 million since its inception in 2008. The disclosure was made by the Managing Director, Cynthia Ikponmwosa, at the 2025 scholarship award ceremony held in Benin, where 451 students received support.

Represented by Amen Akenbor, Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Ikponmwosa explained that the 2025 awards included 20 tertiary-level students, 246 secondary school students, and 185 vocational trainees. She emphasised that the initiative aims to nurture a generation of educated and empowered young Nigerians who can uplift their communities.

“Education and skills acquisition are powerful tools for poverty alleviation,” Ikponmwosa said. “Through our scholarships and skills development programmes, we support talented students from financially constrained backgrounds to pursue their dreams.”

Prof. Christiana Okojie, Chairperson of the LAPO Scholarship Board, noted that the scheme initially focused on secondary education but expanded in 2011 to include university scholarships, providing sustained support for students from low-income families.

Beneficiaries shared their gratitude: Kayode Segun, now in 200 level at UNIBEN, recalled receiving support since JSS 2, while Adunbiola Anne, now in SSS 3 at Fortune Secondary School, Benin, expressed her appreciation for continuous financial assistance throughout her schooling.

Senator Matthew Urhoghide, represented by Emwinghare Osa-Kindness, praised the programme for contributing to employment, poverty reduction, and stronger institutions, highlighting its long-term impact on education and community development.