The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) awarded N200,000 scholarships each to Ms. Onwe Emmanuella C. and Chukwuemeka Ogar P., final-year Medicine and Surgery students at Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki.

ASUU Chairman of the EBSU chapter, Dr. Okechukwu Igwenyi, presented the cheques in Abakaliki, highlighting the transparent selection process for the scholarships. He emphasized that ASUU’s commitment extends beyond advocating for improved university funding and autonomy, stating, “We also care for students by providing annual scholarship awards to successful indigent students from all public universities in Nigeria.”

Dr. Igwenyi criticised the rising costs of education and the economic hardships faced by students, which lead to high dropout rates and involvement in unthinkable ventures. He also mentioned the lack of awareness about bursary awards and merit-based scholarships among students.

ASUU’s scholarship scheme, running for years, includes Ph.D. research grants and support for indigent students. Dr. Igwenyi noted that EBSU students have often been successful in receiving these awards.

Ms. Onwe Emmanuella expressed her gratitude, stating that the scholarship would help her pay outstanding school fees and cover other academic expenses.