More than 30 indigent students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State, have cumulatively benefited from N1.5 million scholarship award by the members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the institution.
The beneficiaries who received N50, 000 each for the 2019/2020 academic session were selected from across various faculties of the university.
Speaking during the award presentation at the university, the ASUU chapter chairman, Mr. Stephen Ufoaroh, said the gesture, which would be annual, was part of ASUU-NAU social responsibility to the students and their parents.
He said members tasked themselves to raise the funds for the scholarship to help indigent students unable to pay their school fees, expressing optimism that the assistance reduces school dropouts and its attendant criminality.
“Despite the fact that all academic staff of the university are owed salaries between four and twelve months, ASUU-NAU members still saw the need to help in alleviating the suffering of our students, who have also borne the pain of the ruling class insensitivity to the plights of the masses of this country.
“The scholarship award is another evidence that ASUU, as a union, understands the plight of our students and as such we will go any length to protect the interest of our students, which has made us resist every attempt by the Federal Government to introduce tuition fees in public universities.”
In his remarks, the vice chancellor of the institution, Prof. Charles Esimone, praised the ASUU-NAU leadership and members, describing the event as landmark and timely, especially in view of the economic hardship on people.
Esimone, who was represented by the deputy vice chancellor, administration, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, reiterated the university’s effort in attending to the staff and student’s welfare, pledging his continued support to the university community.
