A total of 4,000 young Nigerians have been lifted towards a brighter future through educational scholarships provided by the LAPO Microfinance scheme, which this week awarded 451 new grants with a strategic focus on supporting girls in science and technology fields.
The initiative, which has disbursed N650 million since its inception in 2008, represents a significant private-sector effort to combat the country’s severe education and unemployment crises.
At a ceremony on 13 November, 451 new scholars were recognised, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 4,114, which includes 65 vocational training grants.
The programme deliberately prioritises students from the most economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with 60 per cent of the recipients being young women.
LAPO’s Managing Director, Cynthia Ikponmwosa, stated, “Education is the most powerful tool to break intergenerational cycles of poverty. We are committed to investing in our future leaders.”
One beneficiary, now studying computer engineering, called the scholarship a “life-changer,” a sentiment that has been shared widely on social media, inspiring other youths.
This intervention tackles a daunting national challenge, with over 18 million children and youths out of school and a youth unemployment rate hovering around 40 per cent.
The focus on girls is particularly critical, as UNICEF estimates that a quarter of girls in Nigeria are excluded from secondary education. While the economic impact of LAPO’s programme is estimated at over £8 million, it operates against a backdrop requiring far greater investment.
The initiative has been widely praised, but it also highlights the immense scale of the problem, underscoring that without parallel government action and policy reforms, such laudable private efforts risk being overwhelmed by the sheer number of those in need.
Written by Were Kelly
Sources: Guardian Nigeria (@GuardianNigeria), PunchNG (punchng.com).
