ASUU Awards ₦1.1 Million Scholarships to 11 University of Ibadan Students

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan (UI) branch, has awarded ₦1.1 million in scholarships to 11 students facing financial difficulties.

The initiative aims to help students from low-income families continue their education without financial challenges disrupting their academic progress.

The beneficiaries received the awards on Thursday during a congress of the university’s ASUU branch.

56 Students Apply for ASUU Scholarship

The Vice-Chairman of UI-ASUU, Dr Tayo Ajibade, said 56 students applied for the scholarship. However, only 11 were selected after the screening process.

Ajibade represented the branch chairman, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, at the event.

He explained that the programme followed a directive from ASUU’s national leadership. The directive encouraged university chapters to support students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

According to Ajibade, many students struggle to meet the cost of their education. He stressed that poverty should not prevent qualified young Nigerians from accessing quality university education.

He also said the scholarship reflects ASUU’s commitment to student welfare and its continued push for better funding of public universities.

How the ₦1.1 Million Scholarship Was Shared

The scholarship fund came from three sources: ASUU’s national leadership, the University of Ibadan branch and Professor Tajudeen Akanji.

The beneficiaries received different amounts based on the contributions:

• Two students received ₦200,000 each from ASUU’s national leadership.
• Five students received ₦100,000 each from the University of Ibadan branch.
• Four students received ₦50,000 each through Professor Tajudeen Akanji.

Together, the contributions amounted to ₦1.1 million.

Professor Akanji Promises Continued Support

Professor Tajudeen Akanji, who personally contributed to the scholarship scheme, expressed his commitment to helping students facing financial difficulties.

He said his personal background influenced his decision to support young people pursuing higher education.

Akanji recalled growing up as the son of a carpenter. He explained that he understood how education could create opportunities and improve lives.

He also indicated that he would continue supporting students in need for as long as he could.

Scholarship Beneficiaries Express Gratitude

Some of the beneficiaries thanked ASUU’s national leadership, the University of Ibadan branch and the individual donors for the financial assistance.

One recipient, Olawale Esther Inioluwa, said she was surprised by her selection. She also encouraged other students to remain serious about their academic responsibilities.

Another beneficiary, Oladepo Peter Olamide, described the award as an encouragement to students facing financial challenges.

He urged fellow undergraduates to stay committed to their studies and make good use of opportunities that could support their education.

ASUU Highlights Importance of Accessible Education

The scholarship programme demonstrates how university unions and individual donors can support students who struggle to finance their education.

ASUU has continued to call for improved funding of Nigeria’s public universities. The union maintains that students’ financial backgrounds should not determine their access to quality education.

Through this initiative, the University of Ibadan branch has provided financial assistance to 11 students. The programme also reinforces the importance of supporting deserving young Nigerians as they pursue higher education.