UNIBEN VC Hails Ikpea as ALIF Awards Fresh Scholarships to Indigent Students

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscopnews

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Edoba Omorogie, has commended Chief (Dr.) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, CON, for his sustained commitment to educational advancement through the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation (ALIF), as the foundation presented fresh scholarships to deserving indigent students.

Speaking during the official presentation of cheques to beneficiaries for the 2025/2026 academic session, Professor Omorogie described the foundation as a beacon of hope that has consistently transformed lives since its inception in 2012. He noted that ALIF’s unwavering dedication to supporting underprivileged students reflects a deep understanding of education as a catalyst for national development.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the foundation’s interventions have not only alleviated financial burdens but have also restored confidence and dignity to hundreds of students across the country. He offered heartfelt prayers for the founder, Chief (Dr.) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, CON, asking for divine protection, sound health, and continued prosperity in his service to humanity. He further charged the beneficiaries to justify the gesture by maintaining excellent academic performance and upholding values worthy of the investment made in them.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation, Dr. Difference Irabor, disclosed that since its establishment in 2012, the foundation has trained and supported over 600 indigent students and artisans nationwide. He revealed that the University of Benin leads with over 244 beneficiaries, underscoring the institution’s strong partnership with the foundation. Dr. Irabor emphasized that the scholarship scheme goes beyond financial assistance, describing it as a deliberate investment aimed at brightening the future of Nigerian youths and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society.

In his remarks, the Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Benin, Professor Frederick Ekhaise, lauded the visionary leadership and humanitarian spirit of Chief (Dr.) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea. He described the initiative as timely and impactful, particularly for students facing financial hardship, and offered prayers for the founder’s continued longevity, good health, and greater accomplishments.

A total of 76 students are set to benefit from the 2025/2026 scholarship cycle. Of this number, 19 beneficiaries are from the University of Benin, 25 from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, while 32 beneficiaries are drawn from other higher institutions across Nigeria.

The highlight of the ceremony was the formal presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries, marking another milestone in the foundation’s longstanding commitment to educational empowerment.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Kelly Ojogba expressed profound gratitude to the founder and management of ALIF for what he described as a life-changing opportunity. He noted that the scholarship has not only eased financial constraints but has also inspired renewed determination among recipients to excel academically. He joined others in offering prayers for Chief (Dr.) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea.

Chief (Dr.) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, CON, is a renowned humanitarian and business mogul, and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Lee Engineering and Construction Company Limited. Through ALIF, he continues to demonstrate an enduring commitment to social responsibility, reinforcing the transformative power of private-sector driven educational support in Nigeria.