ASUU Awards ₦6.2 Million Scholarship to Indigent OOU Students: What It Means and How to Benefit
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) chapter, has awarded ₦6.2 million in scholarships to 31 indigent students of the institution. Each beneficiary received ₦200,000 to support the payment of school fees and approved charges for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The initiative, announced by the Chairperson of ASUU-OOU, Dr. Ganiyu Yinusa, reflects the union’s commitment to equity, access to education, and student welfare, especially for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
“The financial support is intended to ease the burden on students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and prevent dropouts caused by financial hardship,” — Dr. Ganiyu Yinusa
How the Scholarship Was Funded
Unlike many interventions, this scholarship was largely funded through voluntary donations of sitting allowances from internal members of the University Council, complemented by direct contributions from ASUU-OOU. ASUU described the gesture as a rare and commendable act of sacrifice in support of education and human capital development.
Why This Matters to Nigerian Students
Poverty remains a major barrier to higher education in Nigeria. Interventions like this help ensure that no qualified student is denied education because of finances. ASUU emphasized that the scheme also promotes academic excellence, discipline, and focus, reminding beneficiaries that the support comes with a call to responsibility.
How to Be Part of It (What Students Should Do)
If you are an OOU student—or a student in a Nigerian public university—here’s how to position yourself for similar opportunities:
- Stay informed: Follow official notices from your department, faculty, and student affairs office.
- Maintain good academic standing: Most indigent scholarships consider performance and discipline.
- Provide verifiable proof of need: Be ready with documents that show genuine financial hardship.
- Engage responsibly: Participate in university processes and keep a clean disciplinary record.
- Explore alternatives: Consider federal support like NELFUND, which has disbursed over ₦154.3bn to students nationwide for fees and upkeep.
The ASUU-OOU indigent scholarship shows that collective sacrifice can keep students in school and unlock futures. While students should pursue government loans and grants, university-based interventions remain vital safety nets. Education should never end because of poverty—and this initiative proves that solutions are possible.
