LAPO Institute matriculates 56 students in Edo

Fifty-six students on Wednesday took their oath of admission at the 6th matriculation ceremony of the LAPO Institute for Microfinance and Management Studies in Benin, Edo State.

The students are pursuing National Diploma programmes across four disciplines. Business Administration and Management has 32 matriculants, Banking and Finance has eight, Microfinance and Enterprise Development has 10, while Accounting has six.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe, said the matriculation marked the beginning of a journey that requires discipline, focus and responsibility.

He urged the students to take their studies seriously, adhere strictly to the rules and values of the institution, and make the most of available opportunities.

Ehigiamusoe said beyond academic achievement, students were expected to build character and develop leadership capacity.

“To our matriculating students, this ceremony marks the beginning of a journey that requires discipline, focus, and responsibility.

“You are expected to take your studies seriously, uphold the rules and values of the Institute, and make the most of the opportunities available to you. Beyond academic achievement, you must also strive to build character and develop leadership capacity,” he added.

He said the institute was established with a vision to produce graduates who are academically sound, entrepreneurial in mindset and grounded in ethical values.

The Provost of the institute, Prof. Gladys Nwokoye, said the ceremony marked the formal admission of the students into the academic community.

She said the institution was committed to producing skilled professionals who are not only academically sound but also practically equipped for the world of work.

She stated, “As a specialised institution, we are committed to developing skilled professionals who are not only academically sound but also practically equipped to function effectively in the dynamic world.

“Our programmes are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that our graduates are job-ready, innovative, and capable of creating value in any environment they find themselves.

“Our programmes continue to undergo regular accreditation and re-accreditation processes to ensure compliance with the guidelines of the National Board for Technical Education. This guarantees that the certificates you will earn from this institution are credible, respected, and widely recognised.”

Chairman of the occasion and Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, represented by Dr Nneka Chukwuma, urged the students to embrace integrity, innovation and resilience.

She said the world required more than certificates, but critical thinkers, problem-solvers and ethical leaders.

She added, “LAPO Institute stands as a beacon of knowledge and empowerment, rooted in the vision of fostering education that is both impactful and socially relevant.”