Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Nigeria, has been awarded a scholarship grant worth N12 million by Opay Digital Company. This substantial grant will benefit 40 financially disadvantaged students at ABU, each of whom will receive N300,000 to support their academic pursuits.
Scholarship Disbursement and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing
The disbursement ceremony was held on Friday, 8th November 2024, in the office of ABU's Vice-Chancellor. During this event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Ahmadu Bello University and Opay Digital Company, formalizing their partnership and commitment to supporting education in Nigeria.
Mr. Dauda Gotring, the Managing Director of Opay, highlighted the scholarship as part of the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. He stated that Opay’s mission is to give back to society by investing in educational support. Furthermore, he noted that Opay has a special relationship with Ahmadu Bello University, which played a significant role in their decision to allocate the scholarships to 40 students from this institution.
Opay’s Vision and Additional Community Support
Mr. Gotring elaborated on Opay's vision as a company rooted in Nigeria, emphasizing its commitment to financial inclusion, especially for smaller-scale consumers. He explained that Opay's objectives align with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s digital policy, which aims to foster digital access and financial inclusivity.
In addition to the scholarship, Opay has plans to introduce empowerment initiatives for women in Zaria. These include startup programs and other income-generating opportunities designed to promote economic independence among women in the local community. Mr. Gotring expressed his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and university administration for their warm reception and cooperation.
University Leadership's Appreciation and Response
The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Kabiru Bala, expressed profound appreciation to Opay on behalf of the university. He acknowledged the critical role that the scholarship will play in alleviating financial burdens for the 40 selected students. Professor Bala also mentioned that the university had previously requested Opay to increase the number of scholarship recipients, a request that Opay graciously granted.
He welcomed Opay’s planned empowerment programs for women, which he believes will further strengthen the university's relationship with its host community. Additionally, Professor Bala advised the scholarship recipients to use their funds wisely to enhance their educational experience and academic success.
Screening and Selection Process for Beneficiaries
Dr. Sa’adatu Muhammad Makarfi, Director of the Counselling and Human Development Centre at ABU, provided insight into the selection process for the scholarship. According to Dr. Makarfi, out of the 959 students identified as financially disadvantaged, 40 were chosen after a rigorous screening process. She praised Opay for its commitment to addressing the needs of ABU’s most vulnerable students, ensuring that the scholarship funds reached those who would benefit most from the assistance.
Attendance and Recognition of Partnership
The signing ceremony was attended by several senior officials from Ahmadu Bello University, as well as representatives from Opay. Key attendees included:
- Professor Ahmed Doko Ibrahim, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)
- Professor Raymond Bako, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
- Professor Sahalu Junaidu, Dean of Students Affairs
- Malam Auwalu Umar, Director of Public Affairs
- Dr. Idris Bashir Bugaje, Director of the Institute for Computing and Emerging Technologies for Rural Empowerment (ICERFE)
- Dr. Sa’adatu Atiku, from the Counselling and Human Development Centre
The event also included the presence of legal representatives and other administrative officials from both ABU and Opay, underscoring the significance of this partnership for the university community.
Conclusion
The scholarship grant from Opay to Ahmadu Bello University represents a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to support its students through external partnerships. This collaboration not only eases the financial burdens of the selected students but also strengthens ABU's commitment to providing holistic support for its students. The partnership sets a positive precedent for future collaborations between academic institutions and corporate entities aiming to empower youth through education and community development.
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