Eleven indigent students of the University of Ibadan have received scholarship awards totalling N1.1 million from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Ibadan branch. The awards were presented on Thursday during the union’s congress.

The package included N200,000 each for two students from the national body of ASUU, N100,000 each for five recipients from the UI branch, and N50,000 each for four students sponsored by Professor Tajudeen Akanji of the institution.

Vice-Chairman of UI-ASUU, Dr Tayo Ajibade, who represented the branch chairman, said 56 students applied for the scholarship but only 11 were selected. He explained that the national body directed all chapters to support children from poor homes so that poverty does not stop any Nigerian child from accessing education.

Professor Akanji, one of the donors, said he would continue to support indigent students throughout his life. He noted that he himself rose from a humble background as the son of a carpenter and understands the power of education to change lives.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude after receiving their awards. One of them, Olawale Inioluwa, urged other students to take their studies seriously, while another, Oladepo Olamide, described the initiative as an encouragement for students to work harder.