Fifty students of Esan origin studying in tertiary institutions across Lagos State have received educational grants worth N150,000 each, courtesy of the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP). The gesture is part of the association’s Corporate Social Responsibility drive aimed at giving back to Esanland.
In a statement released on Tuesday, AEP said the beneficiaries were drawn from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), and Yaba College of Technology. Each of the five Esan-majority local government areas in Edo State — Esan Central, Esan South-East, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Igueben — was represented by 10 students.
AEP President, Dr. Henry Egbiki, explained that the annual scholarship initiative was designed to support educational advancement in Esanland. He noted that a carefully selected screening committee ensured a fair and merit-based process, despite some initial challenges.
“This scholarship programme is our way of contributing to the growth of our homeland through education,” Egbiki said. “We established a transparent process to identify deserving students, and we are proud of the outcome.”
Chairman of the screening committee, Judge Okoyo, described the initiative as a meaningful investment in the future of Esan youths and a reflection of the association’s commitment to educational development.
During the cheque presentation, recipients expressed deep appreciation for the support. Oziegbe St Joseph, a 300-level architecture student at UNILAG, thanked AEP on behalf of all the beneficiaries, describing the support as a blessing. Paulina Godfrey, also a 300-level student at UNILAG, said the grant came unexpectedly and promised to make the most of the opportunity.
The scholarship programme reinforces the growing role of community-led initiatives in supporting students and promoting educational inclusion among ethnic groups in Nigeria.
