LAPO Awards Scholarships to Over 3,000 Needy Students in Ondo
Obadiora revealed that a total of 95 public and private secondary schools from the three senatorial zones of Ondo State participated in the quiz competition. LAPO Microfinance Bank has been providing scholarships since 2007, totaling over 3,134 beneficiaries, along with book donations to support learning in underprivileged families and resource-poor schools.
AKACHI NOEL 
In a significant move towards poverty alleviation, the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) has granted scholarships to more than 3,134 deserving students in secondary and tertiary institutions across Ondo State. The announcement was made by Honestus Ayo Obadiora, the Executive Director of LAPO, during the 2023 maiden annual LAPO Secondary School quiz competition held in Akure, the state capital.
Obadiora revealed that a total of 95 public and private secondary schools from the three senatorial zones of Ondo State participated in the quiz competition. LAPO Microfinance Bank has been providing scholarships since 2007, totaling over 3,134 beneficiaries, along with book donations to support learning in underprivileged families and resource-poor schools.
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Highlighting the challenges faced by the Nigerian educational system, Obadiora emphasized the need for solutions to address issues such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, shortage of academic staff, and weak monitoring and inspection.
The Secondary School Quiz Competition, described as LAPO's modest contribution to rejuvenating the secondary education sector, aims to promote healthy academic competition among students, encourage excellence, and build intellect in the field of science subjects.
LAPO, as a pro-poor development institution, also engages in various initiatives to improve the well-being and socio-economic conditions of farmers and traders across 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.
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Commending the success of this year's competition, Ondo State's Commissioner of Education, Pastor Femi Agagu, appreciated the organizers. The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof Adenike Oladiji, represented by Prof Bello-Olusoji Oluayo, praised LAPO for its dedication to knowledge, education, and intellectual development.
Calvary International College Akure emerged as the winner of the quiz competition, followed by Christ the Redeemer International Secondary School in the second position, and Adeyemi Federal University of Education Demonstration Secondary School securing the third position.
