The University of Ibadan branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-UI) has awarded scholarships totalling ₦1.1 million to 11 indigent students. This initiative aims to support access to quality education and prevent financial constraints from hindering academically sound students. The scholarships were presented during an emergency congress of the union, following a screening exercise conducted by a committee.
The awards comprised two scholarships of ₦200,000 each under the national ASUU scholarship scheme, five awards of ₦100,000 each funded by the university branch, and four awards of ₦50,000 each sponsored by Professor Tajudeen Akanbi. A total of 56 students applied for the scholarships, reflecting the high demand for such initiatives. The union described this initiative as part of its commitment to the welfare of members of the university community, in line with its constitution.
Olawale Esther Enioluwa, a 300-level student of Archaeology and Anthropology in the Faculty of Arts, emerged as the highest-ranked applicant and received ₦200,000. Another beneficiary of the national scholarship scheme, Orji Cynthia Adaeze, a 300-level Political Science student in the Faculty of Social Sciences, also received ₦200,000. These students, along with others, were recognized for their academic achievements and financial need.
Recipients of the branch-funded awards included Dosunmu Mazeedah of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Oyeniyi Oluwaseyi, a 400-level Pharmacy student; Aanuoluwa Adeshewa Mary, a 400-level Physiotherapy student; Jumat Aminat Eniola of Economics; and Olowode Hamzat Temitayo. Each received ₦100,000. The four awards sponsored by Akanbi were presented to Ogundare Marvelous, Williams Happiness, Oladepo Peter Olamide, and another beneficiary.
ASUU said the initiative reflected its broader commitment to supporting financially disadvantaged students with strong academic records. The union added that branches and individual members across the country provide similar assistance annually. This effort aims to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder students with great potential from achieving their academic goals.
Speaking during the presentation of his sponsored awards, Akanbi said he intended to sustain the initiative throughout his years of service. He recalled his humble beginnings, noting that his father worked as a carpenter while his mother made sacrifices to finance his education. He said the experience had strengthened his resolve to assist students facing financial difficulties in pursuing their academic ambitions.
Beneficiaries have expressed gratitude and appreciation for the scholarships. Enioluwa urged students to take their academic work seriously, while Olamide commended the national leadership and the University of Ibadan branch of ASUU for introducing the scholarship initiative. The union encouraged the beneficiaries to maintain their relationship with it and seek support whenever they encountered challenges requiring intervention.
Key points
- ASUU-UI awards ₦1.1m scholarships to 11 indigent students.
- The scholarships aim to support access to quality education and prevent financial constraints.
- The initiative reflects ASUU's commitment to supporting financially disadvantaged students with strong academic records.
