Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) has received a donation of £1m from The Bale Settlement, to provide scholarships for students from Nigeria studying on LSTM education programmes.
The Settlor of The Bale Settlement, Mr Roger Bale, who grew up in Liverpool and spent part of his career in Nigeria, was keen to give something back to the city and to Nigeria, a country which LSTM’s works with to improve health. The gift of £1m will form an endowment held by LSTM, who will use the income to provide scholarships.
LSTM attracts students from all over the world. Through historic links LSTM has always been a popular choice for Nigerian students looking to expand their education, from community health to the development of new drugs and diagnostics. These education programmes are developing the postgraduate skills and knowledge of current and future health professionals. LSTM’s alumni can be found in Ministries of Health, the World Health Organization and a host of leading non-governmental organisations, working on future breakthroughs to eliminate diseases that kill millions of people each year.
Mr Bale enjoyed a recent visit to LSTM to speak to staff who are part of international collaborations and who also contribute to LSTM’s teaching portfolio. Mr Bale said: “I experienced the amazing work of LSTM first-hand when my son became ill while I was based in Nigeria. We took him to LSTM’s travel clinic to be examined and the expert doctors successfully treated him and he made a full recovery. My relationship with both Nigeria and Liverpool made supporting LSTM in this manner a natural choice. It is rewarding to know that this gift will support future generations of Nigerian health professionals trained by LSTM.”
Mr James Ross, LSTM’s Chairman, was delighted to announce the donation from The Bale Settlement to trustees, members and staff during LSTM’s 116th Annual General Meeting.