LAP gifts 36 Anambra students full scholarship worth N1m yearly

Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka

The League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) has awarded full scholarships to 36 outstanding students from the state’s three senatorial zones, valued at ₦1 million per student per year.

The scholarship, dubbed the LAP Future Forward Scholarship, covers full tuition, accommodation, and a monthly support stipend for beneficiaries covering the entire duration of their undergraduate programme.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Awka, Friday, Deputy President of LAP, Dr Elizabeth Jibunoh, said the scholarship is aimed at empowering indigent students to achieve their full academic goals.

Jibunoh, who represented LAP President, Sir Nnamdi Obi, at the event, said the organization was committed to restoring Anambra’s legacy of academic excellence.

She explained that the idea behind the scholarship was inspired by a question posed by the LAP President, Sir Nnamdi Obi, after a visit to the Chairman of MTN, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, where they sought collaboration.

According to Jibunoh, LAP received over 300 qualified applications, from which 36 outstanding students were selected – 12 from each of the three senatorial zones in the state. She said the scholarship was carefully curated and meticulously planned, noting that the first edition, though a trial run, has already made a remarkable impact.

Jibunoh stated, “Every student with the vision and intellectual capability deserves the opportunity to achieve their academic goals. LAP is here to ensure that happens, and the scholars before us today are the first ambassadors of this renewed commitment.”

She added, “Our goal is to graduate global citizens: young men and women equipped to engage meaningfully in any sphere of enterprise—locally or internationally.”

She noted that the selected scholars will also benefit from a mentorship program, which includes training and skills development, mentorship from reputable leaders, internship opportunities, and exposure to diverse thought, innovation, and enterprise.

Jibunoh said LAP plans to expand the scholarship program in the future, with increased budgetary support. She said the organization has invited partners, institutions, and individuals to join hands with them in expanding the established vision.

In her brief remark, Dr. Ngozi Achike, a member of LAP based in Maryland, USA, urged wealthy individuals in Anambra State to support the scholarship initiative, emphasizing the importance of investing in the education and development of the state’s youth.

She emphasized that the initiative presents a unique chance for philanthropists to give back to their community, foster academic excellence, and contribute to the state’s development.

Another member of LAP, Kasie Abone charged the scholarship recipients to be focused and committed to their studies, warning that the organization would not tolerate any form of misconduct or poor academic performance. 

“We are investing in your future, and we expect you to take your studies seriously. The scholarship was not a blank cheque for the students to misuse, but a privilege that came with responsibilities and expectations,” she said.

Abone also encouraged the students to reciprocate the favour to the state and society at large when the opportunity arises, saying it was time for them to make a positive impact.

Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council, Comrade Emeka Odogwu, represented by Ukpa Ewa, commended the organization  for their vision, commitment, and investment in the next generation. He expressed hope that the scholarship initiative will expand to accommodate more indigent students across the state. 

Two of the recipients, Chioma Ekwueme, a 100-level Anatomy student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Nnaji Chima, a 100level Microbiology student at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), expressed gratitude for the scholarship, saying they did not take the opportunity for granted.

They assured LAP that they would be outstanding students, striving for academic excellence and upholding the values of the organization.