APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal operator, has awarded scholarships to 50 undergraduate students from its host community in Apapa, Lagos, reinforcing its long-term commitment to education, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development.
The scholarships were presented during the third edition of the company’s scholarship programme and are open to students enrolled in public universities and other accredited higher institutions across Nigeria.
With the addition of the latest beneficiaries, APM Terminals has now supported 151 undergraduates through the initiative, which forms an important part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony held in Apapa on Friday, the Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Koen De Backker, emphasized the importance of investing in young people as a means of shaping future leaders.
De Backker expressed pride in the company’s growth and the positive impact it continues to create within its host communities. He encouraged the scholarship recipients to embrace the opportunity before them, remain focused on their goals, and commit themselves to continuous learning and self-development.
“Today’s scholars are tomorrow’s leaders. While equipment and infrastructure can be acquired, building people requires deliberate investment, commitment, and time. At APM Terminals, we choose to invest in young people because you represent the future. The success of our business is not measured only by operational performance, but also by the positive impact we create in the communities where we operate,” he said.
The Terminal Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, said the scholarship program reflects the company’s belief that meaningful and lasting progress begins with investing in people.
According to Alhraishat, APM Terminals’ CSR strategy is anchored on three key pillars: education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting young Nigerians and creating opportunities that enable them to achieve their full potential.
“Be proud of what you have accomplished. You earned your place at your university through hard work and determination. Believe in yourself, aim higher, and continue striving for excellence. The future belongs to those who are willing to work for it,” Alhraishat told the students.
The Head of People Function at APM Terminals Nigeria, Uzoma Ben-Ude, noted that the scholarship programme extends beyond financial assistance.
She explained that beneficiaries remain on the programme until graduation, provided they maintain the required academic standards, ensuring sustained support throughout their educational journey.
“Our objective is to reduce the financial burden on students and their families so they can focus on their studies and personal development. We want these young people to succeed and become positive contributors to society,” she said.
Ben-Ude also highlighted internship opportunities available within APM Terminals, adding that several scholarship recipients have already gained valuable workplace experience through placements with the company.
The Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jimoh Olawale, commended APM Terminals for its consistent investment in the development of the host community.
He recalled the company’s partnership with the local council in renovating a health centre that was reopened in February 2026 and described the scholarship initiative as a transformative opportunity for young people.
Representatives from Apapa Local Government, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), and the Nigeria Customs Service also praised APM Terminals for sustaining the programme and helping to expand access to higher education.
They encouraged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to becoming worthy ambassadors of their families, community, and nation.
For many beneficiaries, the programme’s value extends far beyond financial support.
Oseni Omolara, a 400-level student and beneficiary of the 2025 scholarship cohort, said the programme had eased the financial burden on her parents while motivating her to pursue academic excellence. She added that her internship experience at APM Terminals provided practical exposure to the operations of a global business.
Another beneficiary, medical student Olakunle Oluwafemi, described the scholarship as an investment in his future aspirations rather than simply a source of financial assistance. He noted that the internship opportunity offered valuable practical experience that complements his academic training and strengthens his career prospects.
The latest beneficiaries and their parents expressed appreciation to APM Terminals for the opportunity, while the company reaffirmed its commitment to advancing education, creating opportunities for young people, and contributing to the long-term development of its host community.