In a commendable show of support for academic excellence and dedicated service, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Uyo Branch, has granted over N1.7 million in scholarships to 15 deserving students who excelled in their academic pursuits. The union also conferred Heroes’ Awards on past leaders who steered the union through challenging periods in the branch’s history.
The awards were presented during the Heroes’ Day Celebration at the university on Monday. ASUU’s National President, Prof Emmanuel Osadeke, praised the awardees for their unwavering commitment and selfless service to the union despite the challenges they faced. He urged them to remain steadfast in their dedication to the cause of education.
Expressing concern over alleged injustices in university staff employment, Prof Osadeke urged past and present union leaders to stand against vice chancellors who, he claimed, have turned staff employment into their ‘constituency projects’ by hiring individuals without due process. He highlighted a lack of job advertisements for university vacancies in the past six to 10 years, leading to an increase in staff strength without corresponding academic engagement.
“I must heartily congratulate all the heroes honored today for the sacrifices they made, speaking truth to powers for the benefit of others,” Prof Osadeke stated. He emphasized the need to reverse the trend of temporary appointments and restore sanity to university employment processes.
In a keynote address, retired Professor of Ethnocomunicology, Prof Desmond Wilson, lamented the challenges faced by ASUU, citing the influence of fifth columnists and government-employed agents causing confusion within the union. Prof Wilson urged members to remain selfless and committed in their fight for the betterment of Nigerian universities.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, represented by Prof Ben Etuk, commended ASUU for its selfless service to humanity, acknowledging the union’s role in enhancing the welfare of university staff.
Responding to the scholarships, Ekpo Friday, one of the student beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to ASUU for providing support to indigent students. He noted that the gesture serves as a morale booster for students to focus on their studies and complete their university education with distinction.
Acting Chairperson Prof Opeyemi Olajide clarified that the scholarships were intended to support brilliant students in their respective faculties, aiming to encourage them to successfully complete their course of study.
The Heroes’ Awards were conferred upon individuals including Dr Etop Ndiyo, Prof Desmond Wilson, Prof Edet Akpan, Prof Joseph Ushie, Prof Aniesua Essiet, and Prof Ashong Ashong for their outstanding service to the university community.
