By Abigail Philip David
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has awarded scholarships worth ₦5.8 million to 29 indigent students of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
Each recipient received ₦200,000 to ease the financial burden of their university education. While the ASUU OOU branch sponsored 27 students, the national body of ASUU awarded scholarships to two additional students, bringing the total beneficiaries to 29.
Selection Criteria and Purpose
During the presentation ceremony held at the ASUU-OOU Secretariat following the union’s Branch Congress, ASUU-OOU Chairman, Olukayode Oyenuga, emphasized that the beneficiaries were selected based on financial need and academic excellence.
Represented by his Vice Chairman, Eniola Olooto, Oyenuga encouraged the recipients to utilize the funds wisely, suggesting they save part of it for future semesters.
“ASUU National sponsored two students, while the OOU branch sponsored 27, making a total of 29 beneficiaries. Our ability to sponsor more depends on available funds,” he explained.
He added that the scholarship amount had been increased by ₦100,000 this year due to economic challenges.
“ASUU members act as local parents to students, and within our financial capacity, we’ll continue to support indigent students,” Oyenuga said.
Call to Preserve TETFund
At the event, the ASUU-OOU Chairman appealed to the federal government to retain the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and avoid replacing it with the proposed National Education Loans Fund (NELFund).
Oyenuga highlighted TETFund’s critical role in public university development, stating, “TETFund is a product of ASUU’s struggles. About 90% of university structures are TETFund-sponsored. Without it, we’d return to the era of infrastructural decay.”
He warned that scrapping TETFund would severely impact universities, describing it as the backbone of visible infrastructural development in public institutions.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
Two recipients, Zulaikha Omayoza, a final-year Pharmacy student, and Oppoola Kingdom, a 500-level Crop Production student, expressed heartfelt appreciation to ASUU for the financial aid.
“The scholarship has changed my perception of ASUU. I heard about it through a lecturer and am grateful I applied. This support inspires me to be generous when I am able,” said Oppoola.
The initiative underscores ASUU’s commitment to alleviating the financial challenges faced by students and improving access to education.
