The Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), a group dedicated to poverty alleviation, has announced the provision of scholarships to more than 3,134 deserving students in secondary and tertiary institutions across Ondo State. The revelation was made by the Executive Director of LAPO, Honestus Ayo Obadiora, during the inaugural annual LAPO Secondary School quiz competition held in Akure, the state capital.
Obadiora highlighted that a total of 95 public and private secondary schools from the three senatorial zones of Ondo State participated in the 2023 quiz competition. He shared, “Since 2007, the LAPO Microfinance Bank has awarded scholarships to over 3,134 needy students in secondary and tertiary institutions nationwide. Additionally, we have donated books and learning materials to enhance the education of children from economically disadvantaged families and resource-poor schools.”
Acknowledging the challenges facing the Nigerian educational system, Obadiora emphasized LAPO’s commitment to pro-poor initiatives. He explained that the Secondary School Quiz Competition is part of their efforts to rejuvenate the secondary education sector, promoting healthy academic competition and encouraging excellence in science subjects.
“As a pro-poor development institution, LAPO and its microfinance arm, Agriculture and Rural Development Initiative (LARDI), support various initiatives aimed at improving the well-being and socio-economic conditions of farmers and traders throughout the agricultural value chain. These activities include the LAPO Scholarship Scheme, secondary school quiz competition, free legal aid services, and health and social empowerment interventions,” Obadiora added.
The State Education Commissioner, Pastor Femi Agagu, commended the organizers for the success of the annual competition. The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof Adenike Oladiji, also praised LAPO for its contributions to knowledge, education, and intellectual development.
Calvary International College Akure secured the first position in the quiz competition, followed by Christ the Redeemer International Secondary School, with Adeyemi Federal University of Education Demonstration Secondary School securing the third position.
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