IBADAN, NIGERIA — Eleven students at the University of Ibadan on Thursday benefited from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Ibadan Chapter’s Indigent Student Scholarship Awards.
The value of the award for the eleven students was put at ₦1.1 million. It comprised ₦200,000 each to two students from the National Body of the Union. It also included ₦100,000 to five recipients from the University of Ibadan Chapter of ASUU.
Four students received the sum of ₦50,000 each. The funds were donated by Professor Tajudeen Akanji of the same university.
Presentation of Cheques
The cheques were presented to the beneficiaries during a Congress. The Vice Chairman of University of Ibadan ASUU, Dr. Tayo Ajibade, represented the Chairman, Dr. Adefemi Afolabi.
Ajibade disclosed that 56 indigent students applied. But only 11 were found qualified for the scholarship support.
Reason for the Scholarship
According to Dr. Ajibade, the urge to support indigent students was the directive of the national body of the Union. All chapters were asked to support children from indigent homes who really need financial support.
He noted that ASUU has been championing improved funding. The aim is to ensure that qualitative education is not out of the reach of the children of the masses in Nigeria.
He added that poverty should not disqualify a Nigerian child from accessing education.
The Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries include Olawale Esther Inioluwa, a 300-level student of Archaeology and Anthropology. She received ₦200,000.
Orji Cynthia Adaeze, a 300-level Political Science student, also received ₦200,000.
Dosunmu Mazeedah Omobonike of Pharmaceutical Sciences received ₦100,000. Oyeniyi Oluwaseyi, a 400-level Pharmacy student, also received ₦100,000.
Aanuoluwa Adeshewa Mary, a 400-level Physiotherapy student, received ₦100,000. Ameenat Eniola of the Department of Economics also received ₦100,000. Olowode Afusat Temitayo received ₦50,000.
The four indigent students who received ₦50,000 each were financed by Professor Tajudeen Akanji. They are Ogundare Marvellous, Williams Happiness Patient of the Department of Psychology, Oladepo Peter Olamide of the Department of Microbiology, and Gbadegesin Daniel, a 400-level Banking and Finance student.
Commitment to Education
Speaking further, the ASUU Vice Chairman stated that the union recognises that the best gift anyone can give is education.
“We are aware of the challenges in our society because we realize that a lot of our students are struggling to survive in school, and we want to find a way to support them in our little way,” Ajibade said.
“This is why our national body has directed us to do this by supporting brilliant indigent students. We see it that it is our duty to continue to clamour for increased funding and qualitative education. The national awards, the branches’ support, and individual lecturers have also come out to support indigent students, and we would continue to do so.”
Benefactor’s Remarks
One of the benefactors, Professor Tajudeen Akanji, stated that as long as he lives, he would continue to support indigent students. He cited his background as a son of a carpenter who rose to the peak of his career. He said he understands the transformative power of education.
Students’ Reactions
Speaking with journalists after receiving her award, Olawale Esther Inioluwa expressed surprise and gratitude. She urged other students to take their studies seriously.
“I was not even expecting it. What I will say to UI students is that they should make sure they take their academics very seriously because the number one thing we came to the university for is academics,” she said.
Oladepo Peter Olamide appreciated the national leadership and the University of Ibadan branch of ASUU. He described the scholarship initiative as an encouragement for students to work harder.
What This Means
The scholarship is a significant intervention. It provides financial support to students who might otherwise drop out due to financial constraints.
It also highlights the commitment of ASUU to the welfare of students and the promotion of education.
