Anambra League of Professionals Launch N1m Annual Scholarship Scheme, to Curb Rising School Dropout

By Ukpa Ewa

The League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) has intensified effort to curb the increasing dropout rate among undergraduates in the state through its newly launched ₦1 million annual scholarship scheme designed to support brilliant but indigent students across tertiary institutions.

The programme held at NUJ Secretariat Godwin Ezemo International Press Center Awka and tagged “LAP Future Scholars ” had 36 beneficiaries drawn from the three senatorial zones of Anambra State. Many of the recipients revealed that the intervention arrived at a critical period when financial hardship had pushed them close to withdrawing from school.

One of the beneficiaries, Chioma Ekwueme from Aguata LGA, narrated that the scholarship restored her hope of continuing her studies.

“Without this support, lack of finance would have restricted me from accessing basic academic equipment. Many students are dropping out because they cannot meet financial responsibilities,” she said. She added that the programme has renewed her drive to excel and eventually give back to the society when she graduates from the university.

Another beneficiary, a 300 level student of Medicine and Surgery at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Victory Ndubisi, described the initiative as a lifeline.

“We were struggling through God’s help. LAP relieved a major burden by giving us not just financial support but also mentorship to help us become responsible leaders. This scholarship has given us confidence to continue,” he said.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Deputy President of LAP Dr. Elizabeth Jibunoh, said the scholarship was designed to rescue academically gifted students whose education was threatened by economic hardship.

“Families can barely afford feeding these days, let alone school fees. Too many intelligent children are stranded. LAP stepped in because dropout rates are becoming alarming. But we need more people of goodwill to join us to expand this work,” Dr. Jibunoh stated.

Also contributing, the Assistant Publicity Secretary and member of the LAP Education Committee, Comrade Kasie Abonne noted that private sector involvement remains crucial to addressing educational gaps in Nigeria.

“Government alone cannot fund the quality of education we desire. When the private sector invests, outcomes are better monitored and more impactful. Through this scholarship, we are exposing students to both local and global opportunities,” she explained.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, his Personal Assistant Ukpa Ewa lauded LAP for making deliberate investment in human capital development. She said the scholarship is targeted at uplifting indigent students and equipping them with life changing opportunities which was a strategic step towards building a stronger future for Ndi Anambra where no one was left behind.

Advising the beneficiaries, Dr. Ngozi Achike from Maryland, USA, encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace holistic personal development as they pursue their studies.

“Don’t just go to the university allow the university to pass through you. Become confident and well rounded so no one can bring you down,” she advised.

With dropout rates rising across the country due to economic pressure, LAP says it hopes to expand the scheme beyond the initial 36 beneficiaries as more private individuals and organisations partner with them to sustain the programme.