In a strong demonstration of its commitment to educational access and social responsibility, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria branch, has awarded scholarships worth N4.4 million to 22 indigent students across various disciplines.
Speaking at the scholarship award ceremony held at Yusuf Bala Usman Hall, Comrade Haruna M. Jibril, ASUU Chairman, emphasized that the initiative was originally conceived by the national ASUU body, which mandates at least two scholarship awards per branch. However, the ABU-Zaria branch took the initiative further by sponsoring an additional 20 students, bringing this year’s total beneficiaries to 22—more than double last year’s 10 recipients.
Comrade Jibril noted that the selection process was rigorous and merit-based, ensuring that only deserving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds benefitted.
He reaffirmed ASUU commitment to expanding the program, stating, “We will continue to support students from very poor backgrounds to enable them to continue their studies.”
In a goodwill message, Ahmadu Bello University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kabiru Bala, lauded ASUU’s sustained efforts in providing financial relief for struggling students.
Represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Sahalu Junaid, he called on other in-house unions within the university to follow ASUU’s example and introduce similar scholarship initiatives.
“If in-house unions follow ASUU’s example by supporting indigent students with scholarships, it will positively impact many students whose academic pursuits are facing serious challenges,” Professor Bala stated.
With ASUU-ABU leading the charge in student financial aid, stakeholders are optimistic that this initiative will not only reduce dropout rates but also inspire more interventions from other academic and administrative bodies within the university.
