The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has disbursed its 2024 scholarship to 164 indigent students from universities across the country. This was made public during a press conference on Saturday at the Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus in Bauchi State. According to the Convener of the ASUU Grant, Research and Publications Committee, Professor Christopher Piwuna, two students were selected from each of the 79 ASUU branches after a thorough screening process.
Each Beneficiary Receives N200,000 ASUU Scholarship
Professor Piwuna, who was represented by former ASUU Bauchi-Zone Coordinator, Lawan Abubakar, confirmed that each successful applicant was awarded a non-refundable sum of N200,000. He said the selection process took into account gender balance and also included physically challenged students to ensure access to education. He explained that the selection was based strictly on the candidates’ academic excellence and their proven indigent status.
ASUU Criticises Government Over Student Charges
Professor Piwuna said, “Over the last two years, ASUU spent about N164,800,000 on scholarships for indigent students in universities across the country.” He added that the union has been managing the Gani Fawehinmi scholarship scheme and later decided to launch its own, in response to what it described as “unrelenting attacks on students and parents through school charges.”
“When we argued that NELFUND scholarship should be a grant, we meant it because we are not asking any parent or beneficiary of our indigent support to repay at a later day,” he said.
ASUU’s Goal Remains Equity and Access to Education
The union maintained that its aim is to promote access to tertiary education for students from low-income backgrounds. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must provide proof of their poor financial status and maintain a strong Cumulative Grade Average Point (CGPA).
ASUU’s continued financial intervention in the education sector is seen by many as a direct response to the rising cost of education in Nigeria. The union called on the government to stop burdening students with excessive school charges and instead focus on supporting indigent learners.
ASUU Scholarship Offers Hope to Poor Nigerian Students
The ASUU 2024 scholarship is not just a financial relief, it is a bold statement against educational exclusion. By disbursing N200,000 each to 164 indigent students, ASUU reaffirms its commitment to making university education more accessible. With continuous government charges making life harder for students, the union insists on education equity and calls on authorities to review their funding approach.
