Twenty-one students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have been awarded scholarships by the Agbonjague Leemon Ikpea Foundation to support their academic pursuits. Many of the beneficiaries are from the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ohogua, Edo State.
During the award presentation at the university’s Dean of Students Affairs office, the foundation’s Executive Director, Dr. Difference Irabor, emphasized that the scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers to education. He clarified that the initiative is non-political, non-tribal, and open to all students struggling financially, regardless of background.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof. Lilian Salami, represented by the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Clement Ighodaro, expressed gratitude to the foundation. She noted that 10 students benefited from the program in the previous session and thanked the foundation for expanding the number of beneficiaries. She also encouraged recipients to use the funds wisely and excel academically.
One of the beneficiaries, Omotese Ukpoko, a 200-level student of Entrepreneurship, expressed gratitude to the foundation for easing the financial burden on students. Prof. Salami urged the students to double their academic efforts to honor the donor and ensure continued support.