Four Uniosun Indigent Students Receive ASUU Scholarship

Four indigent but brilliant students of the Osun State University have been awarded scholarship by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), of the university in its 2023 Indigent Students Scholarship Award.

The Acting Chairperson of ASUU in the university, Comrade Olaosebikan Wende, who spoke while presenting the award to the beneficiaries at the main campus, Osogbo on Tuesday, disclosed that the awards were in two categories; ASUU National Award and ASUU UNIOSUN Branch Award.

Two of the beneficiaries, according to Wende won N200,000 each for the National category, while the remaining two got N100,000 each for the Branch award.

The university Don maintained that the award, which started in 2018, was part of the Union’s contributions to nation-building and efforts aimed at ensuring there is no limitation to the education of brilliant indigent students.

Presenting the awards on behalf of ASUU President, Comrade Wende noted that the students were selected based on their outstanding results and exemplary performances at the rigorous screening exercise conducted in November and subsequent ratification of their selection by the Branch Congress held in December 2023.

Wende added that Akala Itunuoluwa, a 200-level student of History & International Studies and Owojori Excellent, a 200-level student in the Medicine & Surgery Departments got the National award while Wahab Kamolideen Omotayo, a 500-level student of Civil Engineering and Awofesobi Kolade Peace, a 500 level student of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Departments won the Branch award.

While congratulating the beneficiaries, Comrade Wende urged them to judiciously channel the funds towards advancing their academic pursuits, stating that the Union is perturbed by the rising number of “out of school” youths in Nigerian Universities.

He appealed to governments to adequately fund education and to stop indiscriminate granting of operational licences to agencies or individuals to establish universities. He also urged political officeholders to stop looting the national
commonwealth so that Nigerian youths can have unhindered access to a brighter future and employment opportunities through qualitative university education.

Responding on behalf of the recipients, Akala Itunuoluwa appreciated the Union President and the university union executive for the kind gesture.

She promised that they would use the funds to pay their tuition fees, adding that they would propagate the generous ideals of ASUU among their fellow students.

Her words, “We are deeply appreciative of the support and recognition you have provided to us through this scholarship programme.”

“Your dedication to fostering academic excellence and creating opportunities for students has been truly inspiring.
Receiving this scholarship has not only alleviated the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education but has also motivated us to strive for greater academic achievements. Your belief in our potential serves as a driving force for us to excel in our academic endeavours.”

“We will carry the lessons learned and values instilled by this experience throughout our academic and professional journeys. We look forward to making the most of this opportunity and giving back to society in the near future. Your support has made a lasting impact on our lives, and we are truly grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Also speaking, one of the parents of the beneficiaries who was in attendance, Mr Owojori Binjamin Olayinka appreciated the union, adding: “Words are not sufficient for one to express one’s appreciation.”