The Executive Director, Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), Honesty Obadiora, has identified inadequate funding, poor infrastructural facilities, shortage of academic staff, brain-drain, weak monitoring and inspection as major challenges bedeviling the Nigerian educational system.

Obadiora spoke during the 2023 Annual LAPO Secondary School Quiz Competition in Benin City, Edo State. He said the organisation is committed to championing initiatives geared towards improving the wellbeing and socio-economic conditions of the poor and disadvantaged groups in the society through LAPO Scholarship Scheme, quiz competition, free legal services, health and social empowerment interventions.

“The bank has awarded scholarships to over 3,951 needy and deserving students of secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria till date, donated books and learning materials to boost learning in resource-poor schools.

“Over 325 public and private secondary schools drawn from the three senatorial zones of Edo and Delta states participated in the year 2023 quiz competition. The best three schools from each of the two states of Edo and Delta states were selected from the state-level preliminary stages to compete for the coveted LAPO trophy at the grand finale.

“The schools that emerged from Edo State were Baptist High School, Benin City; UBTH Staff Secondary School, Benin City and Don Bosco Science Academy, Ukhun, Edo State while Marble Hill, Okpanam, Graceville College, Asaba and Noble Academy, Okpanam triumphed in Delta state.