How LAPO scholarship transformed Goodluck Agwu’s educational journey

A scholarship from LAPO Microfinance Bank has helped Goodluck Agwu achieve his dream of earning an engineering degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), despite financial challenges that nearly derailed his education. His success story continues with LAPO’s support for his Master’s degree at the University of Alberta, Canada.

Goodluck, whose parents struggled to fund the tuition for him and his siblings, credits the LAPO Scholarship Scheme for giving him a chance at higher education. “It was difficult for my parents to pay for my school fees and those of my siblings. But I refused to let that deter me,” he shared. “I entered for the LAPO Tertiary Scholarship Screening exercise, passed, and qualified for the scheme.”

Established to empower indigent students, the LAPO Scholarship Scheme has impacted over 4,100 beneficiaries since 2008, with an additional 65 individuals receiving vocational training. The initiative seeks to address Nigeria’s education gap, where an estimated 18.3 million children are out of school, according to UNICEF.

LAPO Microfinance Bank emphasized that the scheme goes beyond tuition support, providing financial aid throughout beneficiaries’ academic journeys. Goodluck, who lost his mother during his second year at FUNAAB, received continued assistance despite personal setbacks. “Through the LAPO Scholarship Scheme, I have attained an academic height that my circumstances could have prevented me from reaching,” he said. “I am especially grateful that the scheme also sponsored my Master’s degree in Alberta, Canada, with funding of ₦1.8 million.”

Speaking on the initiative, Oluremi Akande, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at LAPO Microfinance Bank, highlighted its impact: “The LAPO Scholarship Scheme is a testament to our commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of young Nigerians, ensuring they have the opportunities to succeed and contribute positively to society.”

The program’s success underscores LAPO’s dedication to education and financial inclusion. By easing the financial burden on families and enabling students to focus on their studies, it continues to create a ripple effect, fostering a generation of educated professionals poised to drive economic growth and inspire future leaders.