By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria branch, has disbursed N4.4 million in scholarships to 22 indigent students studying various courses at the university.
Comrade Haruna M. Jibril, ASUU Chairman, stated this during the scholarship award ceremony held at the Yusuf Bala Usman Hall, Main Campus, Samaru.
He said the scholarship for indigent students was initiated by the national body of ASUU, with a mandate to award at least two scholarships from the national body, while the remaining 20 students were sponsored by the branch.
Comrade Jibril noted that this year, the number of beneficiaries has doubled from 10 in 2024 to 22, following the congress’ approval to increase the number.
According to him, the beneficiaries were carefully selected after an intensive screening process conducted by the designated committee.
He added that ASUU hopes to do more in the coming years, stating, “We will continue to support students from very poor backgrounds to enable them to continue their studies.”
In his message, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Kabiru Bala, urged other in-house unions to emulate ASUU by providing support to indigent students at the university.
Represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Sahalu Junaid, he said that if in-house unions follow ASUU’s example by supporting indigent students with scholarships, it will positively impact many students whose academic pursuits are facing serious challenges.
Professor Kabiru Bala commended ASUU for assisting indigent students for the second consecutive year.