ASUU Awards N1.1m Scholarships to 11 Indigent University of Ibadan Students

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan branch, has awarded scholarships worth N1.1 million to 11 indigent students of the institution to support their education.

The awards were presented on Thursday during the union’s congress and comprised different amounts provided by ASUU’s national body, the university branch and a professor at the institution, Tajudeen Akanji.

Two students received N200,000 each from the union’s national body, while five beneficiaries were awarded N100,000 each by the University of Ibadan branch. Another four students received N50,000 each through sponsorship by Akanji.

Speaking at the presentation, the Vice-Chairman of UI-ASUU, Dr Tayo Ajibade, who represented the branch chairman, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, said 56 students had applied for the scholarship, but only 11 met the selection requirements.

Ajibade said the initiative followed a directive from ASUU’s national leadership asking its chapters to provide financial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

He said, “ASUU has been championing improved funding to ensure that qualitative education is not out of the reach of the children of the masses in Nigeria. So, poverty should not disqualify a Nigerian child from accessing education.”

Among the beneficiaries were Olawale Esther Inioluwa, a 300-level Archaeology and Anthropology student, and Orji Cynthia Adaeze, a 300-level Political Science student, who received N200,000 each. Other recipients included students from Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Economics, Psychology, Microbiology, and Banking and Finance.

Ajibade said the union recognised education as one of the most valuable forms of support it could offer students, noting that many undergraduates struggled financially while pursuing their studies. He added that ASUU would continue advocating improved funding and quality education while supporting students through initiatives such as the scholarship scheme.

One of the sponsors, Professor Tajudeen Akanji, pledged to continue supporting indigent students throughout his lifetime. He said his background as the son of a carpenter had given him an understanding of the transformative power of education and the importance of helping disadvantaged students.

Speaking after receiving her award, Olawale Inioluwa expressed surprise and gratitude, urging other students to remain committed to their academics.

“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.

Another beneficiary, Oladepo Peter Olamide, thanked ASUU’s national leadership and the university branch for introducing the initiative, describing it as encouragement for students to work harder. He also urged his colleagues to remain focused on their studies so they could benefit from similar opportunities.