Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (ASUU/NAU), Awka, has empowered no fewer than 30 indigent students of the institution with financial support to aid their education and development.
The empowerment which was carried out at the ASUU/NAU Secretariat of the institution on Tuesday saw each of the beneficiaries smile home with a cheque of N50, 000 to help cushion the economic hardship.
Addressing the beneficiaries, ASUU/NAU Chairman, Comrade Kingsley Ubaoji disclosed that 30 students were selected out of over 100 applicants.
“Out of over 100 students that applied for the support, we selected 30 students after interviewing them. The school fees are increasing and indigent students are passing through a lot to cope with the situation. We thought it wise that if we can help youths get back to school, then we are saving the society.
“We are looking at how much we can afford. We gave the first batch N50,000 each and expect that subsequent empowerments will come on quarterly basis or even twice a year, ” Ubaoji said.
Congratulating the beneficiaries, Comrade Ubaoji who said he sold pure water and drove taxis among other menial jobs as a young man to survive tasked them to make judicious use of the money to add value to their lives.
He further called on Presidents-General, Traditional Rulers, and philanthropists to help provide succor to students by reaching out for their welfare through either the Student Union Government or ASUU body in the institution.
On his own, the Vice Chairman, Harrison Etaga, described the empowerment as the union’s little way of charity and support to humanity. He said, “Whatever the union is giving is to help. It is our little support to humanity.”
He urged the students to utilize the money to achieve something meaningful to benefit themselves and society.
Earlier, the immediate Past ASUU/NAU Chairman, Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh, who presented the cheques advised the students to learn hand work to better their chances of success in life.
“One thing is to graduate another thing is to have something to do. Let his money be a starting capital to achieve something. Look at things like sewing clothes and making shoes to learn and use the knowledge to help yourself. In the long run, these skills will be beneficial to you,” he submitted.
Meanwhile, Nwakaeze Chiamaka of the Philosophy department, in a vote of thanks on behalf of the students, reassured that they will never take the gesture for granted but to put it to good use.
