By Akpan David, Calabar
As many as 160 Nigerian students from different tertiary institutions in the country have received N10.8 million to support their educational pursuits once the ongoing strike embarked upon by ASUU ends.
They were selected at the end of an aptitude test organised by a Non-governmental Organization, Brotherhood All Youth Assembly Enterprise Council, over the weekend.
Education coordinator of the group, Dr Amah Williams of Akwa Ibom State University explained that the beneficiaries were randomly selected from online entries, screened and subjected to further test which was held in Benin, Edo State when they converged for youth empowerment programme and annual solemn procession.
Williams said 100 undergraduates in year one to three got N90,000 each while those in final year got N30,000 each as support for projects.
Williams said irrespective of ASSU strike, their Organization recognises importance of education and have prioritised it since they see it as the bedrock.
Addressing the beneficiaries, other scholars and stakeholders, chairman of BAYA Council, Ibinabo Michael West disclosed that the enterprise is working on a 5-year blueprint for Nigerian students.
“We started last year with supports for agriculture where tools, inputs and credit facilities were extended to youths.
“We acknowledge that education is the bedrock for a growing society, and as such, have considered scholarship grants as a way of cushioning the financial challenges of students in the tertiary institutions.
“We want to provide empowerments for the teeming youth in our fold and in the larger society.
“This way, we are helping to guarantee the future of young Africans, especially Nigerians. This will certainly curb moral decadence and restiveness to a larger degree.”
West said the scholarship scheme is part of the five year plan of the council.
The beneficiaries were charged to be worthy ambassadors of the council.
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One of the beneficiaries, Success Augustine, a second year student of Science Laboratory Technology from the University of Calabar, said the support would help reduce financial stress on his parents.
