By Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Bauchi Zone has awarded scholarships to twelve indigent students from six universities within the zone. Each student received N200,000 to support their educational pursuits.
The six branches of the ASUU announced that the contributions worth two million four hundred thousand to the scholarship scheme, tailored to the specific needs of beneficiaries.
The announcement was made by the Zonal Coordinator, Timothy Namo during the presentation of the awards to the twelve beneficiary students at Sa’adu Zungur State University (SAZU) over the weekend in Bauchi.
According to Professor Timothy Namo, the Zonal Coordinator, the students were selected based on merit and in accordance with the stipulated guidelines. This gesture aims to assist less privileged students who struggle to pay school fees and meet other pressing needs.
Also speaking, the immediate past Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Bauchi Zone, Prof. Lawan Abubakar, said ASUU’s Grant, Scholarship, and Publication Committee awarded scholarships to indigent students, with 324 students benefiting from N64.8 million in 2023 and 2024.
He explained that the scholarship program aims to support academically qualified but economically disadvantaged students. Adding that the Committee also manages the Gani Fawehinmi scholarship and instituted its own scholarship program to ensure indigent students access education despite financial constraints.
He said that in 2023, ASUU Bauchi Zone awarded scholarships to 19 indigent students, while the national body awarded N200,000 to two indigent students in each public university.
The beneficiaries were advised to utilize the opportunity to improve their lives and become responsible citizens. He praised the National leadership of ASUU for the scholarship scheme, saying it will enable indigent students to pursue their educational dreams.
Similarly, the six universities under the Bauchi also announced their individuals contributions which includes: SAZU Branch: N100,000 each to two students, Plateau State University, Bokkos N100,000 each to two students, Federal University of Kashere: planning to award scholarships to two indigent students, Gombe State University: five students benefiting from 50% tuition fee waiver and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi: N500,000 to be shared among selected students respectively.
Recall that ASUU has been advocating for grants instead of loans for indigent students, citing concerns over the burden of loan repayment and its potential impact on academic performance.
Parents and beneficiaries alike expressed gratitude for the initiative, with one recipient, Bappa Salisu, assuring that the scholarship will complement parental support and enable him to focus on his studies.
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