21 Indigent UNIBEN Students Receive Scholarships from Ikpea Foundation
Twenty-one students from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), primarily from the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Ohogua, Edo State, have received scholarships from the Agbonjague Leemon Ikpea Foundation.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Twenty-one students from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) are set to pursue their academic goals with renewed hope thanks to the Agbonjague Leemon Ikpea Foundation. The scholarship awards were presented to these students, primarily from the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Ohogua, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, during a ceremony held at the university's Dean of Students Affairs office.
Dr. Difference Irabor, Executive Director of the Ikpea Foundation, highlighted the foundation's commitment to breaking financial barriers that hinder students' educational pursuits. He emphasized that the scholarships are open to all students facing financial challenges, devoid of political, tribal, or religious affiliations.
"Today, we are here to disburse scholarships to 21 students of the University of Benin. UNIBEN has been benefiting from the scholarship since the 2012-2013 academic session, and this has been one of our key focus areas," Dr. Irabor stated. He reiterated the foundation’s inclusive approach, indicating that the scholarship is available to anyone demonstrating genuine financial need.
Prof. Lilian Salami, Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN, who was represented by the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Clement Ighodaro, expressed gratitude to the foundation for its continued support. Last session, 10 students benefited from the scholarship, and following an appeal for more assistance, the foundation generously increased the number of awards this year.
Prof. Salami urged the scholarship recipients to utilize the funds wisely to ensure that the purpose of the awards is fulfilled. "When you receive such an opportunity, increase your study hours. If you were studying for two hours a day, aim for four or five hours to make the most of this benefit," she advised.
Omotese Ukpoko, a 200-level student studying Entrepreneurship, expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of her peers. "Thank you to the foundation for putting smiles on the faces of indigent students like us. This support means a lot," she said.
