Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) has awarded full scholarships to 36 exceptional students selected from the three senatorial zones of Anambra State. Each beneficiary will receive ₦1 million yearly under the scheme.
The initiative, known as the LAP Future Forward Scholarship, covers full tuition, accommodation, and a monthly support stipend throughout the beneficiaries’ undergraduate studies.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Awka on Friday, the Deputy President of LAP, Dr. Elizabeth Jibunoh—who represented the organization’s President, Sir Nnamdi Obi—said the scheme was designed to support brilliant but indigent students in achieving their academic aspirations.
Jibunoh explained that the scholarship idea emerged after a visit to the Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, during which the LAP President, Sir Nnamdi Obi, raised the need for strategic collaboration to support education in the state.
She disclosed that the organization received more than 300 qualified applications and eventually selected 36 outstanding candidates—12 from each senatorial zone. According to her, although the ongoing edition is a pilot phase, it has already demonstrated significant impact.
“Every student with the vision and intellectual capacity deserves the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams. LAP is here to make that possible, and the scholars before us today are the first ambassadors of this renewed commitment,” she said.
Jibunoh noted that the programme aims to nurture “global citizens”—young men and women capable of contributing meaningfully in diverse fields at home and abroad.
She added that the beneficiaries will also receive mentorship, including skills training, leadership development, internship opportunities, and exposure to innovative and entrepreneurial thinking.
Jibunoh said LAP plans to expand the initiative with increased budgetary support and called on partners, institutions, and well-meaning individuals to join in scaling up the programme.
Also speaking, Dr. Ngozi Achike, a U.S.-based LAP member, appealed to wealthy individuals in Anambra to support the scholarship scheme, stressing that investing in the education of young people was crucial for the state’s development.
Another LAP member, Kasie Abone, urged beneficiaries to remain focused and committed to their studies, warning that the group would not tolerate misconduct or poor academic performance.
“We are investing in your future, and we expect you to take your studies seriously. This scholarship is not a blank cheque but a privilege that comes with responsibilities,” she cautioned.
She encouraged the students to give back to the state and society when the opportunity arises.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Comrade Emeka Odogwu—represented by Ukpa Ewa—commended LAP for its vision and investment in the next generation. He expressed hope that the scheme would be expanded to accommodate more indigent youths.
Two of the beneficiaries, Chioma Ekwueme, a 100-level Anatomy student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Nnaji Chima, a 100-level Microbiology student at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), expressed gratitude to LAP for the life-changing opportunity. They pledged to uphold excellence and the values of the organization throughout their academic journey.
