ASUU accused of selective scholarship awards as 22 students receive N4.4 million at ABU Zaria

DDM News

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria branch, has awarded N4.4 million in scholarships to 22 students.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), ASUU chairman, Comrade Haruna M. Jibril, announced this during the scholarship award ceremony at Yusuf Bala Usman Hall, Main Campus, Samaru.

He stated that the scholarship initiative was introduced by the ASUU national body to support financially disadvantaged students.

At least two beneficiaries were selected by the national body, while the ABU Zaria branch picked the remaining 20 students.

Jibril revealed that this year’s beneficiaries increased from 10 to 22 following Congress’ decision to expand the scheme.

He emphasized that the selection process was rigorous, ensuring that only the most deserving students benefited from the program.

A special committee was assigned to screen applicants, carefully verifying their financial status and academic performance.

Jibril expressed hope that ASUU would continue expanding the scholarship scheme in future years.

He reiterated that ASUU remains committed to supporting students facing financial difficulties in their academic journey.

He stressed that the union sympathizes with students who struggle to afford tuition and other academic expenses.

Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Kabiru Bala, commended ASUU for its continued efforts to assist indigent students.

Represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Sahalu Junaid, he urged other in-house unions to emulate ASUU’s initiative.

He stated that if more unions provided scholarships, many students facing financial challenges would have a chance to complete their studies.

Professor Bala acknowledged that ASUU’s scholarship intervention had provided significant relief to struggling students.

He emphasized that ASUU’s initiative had positively impacted the university and should be sustained.

According to him, a broader scholarship scheme across different unions would provide lasting solutions to students’ financial problems.

He urged education stakeholders to prioritize similar interventions to assist underprivileged students.

ASUU’s scholarship program received praise from students, university officials, and education advocates.

Many students expressed gratitude for the financial assistance, saying it would help cover tuition, accommodation, and study materials.

One beneficiary, a second-year student, described the scholarship as a lifeline that had saved him from dropping out.

Another recipient, a final-year student, said ASUU’s support had renewed her motivation to excel academically.

She revealed that without the scholarship, she would have struggled to pay her tuition fees for the semester.

A lecturer at ABU Zaria, who preferred anonymity, praised ASUU for prioritizing student welfare despite universities’ financial struggles.

He noted that many students drop out due to a lack of financial support and called for more scholarships.

Chief Security Officer of ABU Zaria, Ashiru T. Zango, commended ASUU for its contributions to students and university operations.

He revealed that aside from awarding scholarships, ASUU had donated 42 bicycles to the university’s security division.

According to him, the bicycles had significantly improved mobility and enhanced security operations within the campus.

Zango described ASUU’s gesture as a demonstration of the union’s commitment to both students and staff welfare.

He called on other unions and organizations to support the university through similar interventions.

Despite the widespread commendation, some students and education activists questioned ASUU’s selection process.

A student leader alleged that the scholarship awards lacked transparency and fairness in selecting beneficiaries.

He argued that ASUU should make the process more inclusive to ensure that all indigent students have a fair chance.

Some critics also claimed that scholarships only benefit a few students, leaving many others in financial distress.

They suggested that ASUU should push for reduced tuition fees or long-term financial aid programs instead.

A few students alleged that the selection process favored those with personal connections within ASUU.

However, ASUU chairman Jibril dismissed these claims, insisting that the screening process was fair and transparent.

He reassured students that future scholarship awards would maintain high ethical standards.

Jibril promised that ASUU would continue working to expand the scheme and reach more students.

He called on the government and other stakeholders to invest in scholarships and financial aid programs.

As ASUU continues its intervention, many students hope for increased scholarship opportunities in the future.

There is growing pressure on ASUU to expand the initiative to accommodate more students in financial need.

Some stakeholders have urged corporate organizations and philanthropists to support student funding programs.

ASUU’s intervention at ABU Zaria highlights the role of academic unions in addressing education funding challenges.

The union’s scholarship effort has set a precedent that could inspire similar initiatives in other Nigerian universities.

For many students at ABU Zaria, ASUU’s scholarship program represents not just financial aid but a renewed academic opportunity.

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