APM Terminals Apapa awards 45 student scholarships, plans for 250

APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, has awarded scholarships to 45 undergraduate students from its host community as part of its comprehensive corporate social responsibility commitment to education and youth development.  

The beneficiaries, undergraduates from public universities across the country, were honoured at a ceremony held in Lagos on Tuesday.  

Additionally, scholarships were awarded to the children of five front-line employees of the company.  

Belief in development 

At a ceremony held in Lagos on Tuesday to present the awards, which additionally included scholarships for the children of five frontline employee's children, Terminal Manager Steen Knudsen emphasised the company's belief in fostering development in the countries in which it operates.  

Knudsen announced the company’s ambition to expand the scholarship program significantly. 

“Today, we are supporting 45 students, but our vision is to grow this number to over 250 students within the next 4-5 years. Education is the foundation of the future, and we are proud to contribute to shaping the next generation of leaders,” he said.  

Rich history of support 

The company’s contributions extend beyond scholarships. APM Terminals Apapa has a rich history of supporting education, including the renovation and upgrade of Randle Secondary School, an investment which provided the school with modern facilities, and greatly improved the learning environment for students.  

In addition, Knudsen revealed plans to launch a technical training program for female mechanics in collaboration with the Lady Mechanic Initiative, a non-governmental organisation established in 2004 to empower vulnerable girls and women, equipping them with skills to become certified professionals.  

Striving for excellence 

Also speaking at the award ceremony, the Head of People Function, APM Terminals Nigeria, Uzoma Ben-Ude, encouraged beneficiaries to strive for excellence and make the most of the opportunities provided. She emphasised the importance of boldness and hard work in achieving success.  

Senior People Business Partner and Scholarship Program Lead, APM Terminals Apapa, Omolara Olatunbosun described the scholarships as not only a recognition of the awardees’ academic achievements, but a testament to their character and drive to achieve more. 

She said it was clear that each student was “deeply committed to securing this scholarship, and their determination was inspiring. Out of over 150 applicants, they stood out for their resilience and perseverance,” she said.  

Springboard for success 

The Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Hon. Idowu Senbanjo, commended APM Terminals Apapa for its contributions and urged other companies in the area to emulate the initiative. She advised the students to take their studies seriously and use the scholarship as a springboard for success.  

The Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex Apapa, represented by Port Legal Adviser, Maxwell Maduakolam, praised APM Terminals’ commitment to education and urged the students to remain diligent.  

Life-changing opportunity 

One scholarship beneficiary, Ebuwa Ekin-noma Blessing, described the scholarship as a “life-changing opportunity”, while Lagos State University student Ige Akindenuola said the initiative would yield great results for the recipients and their communities. National Open University of Nigeria student Nansoh Melody echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the scholarship’s positive impact on her education. 

APM Terminals Apapa is the largest container terminal in Nigeria, serving as a critical gateway for imports and exports in West Africa. The company is dedicated to providing world-class port services, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and reliability.  

Through its sustained commitment to education, youth empowerment, and community development, APM Terminals Apapa continues to set a high standard for corporate social responsibility in Nigeria.