In a gesture of support, School for Life, an educational development actor headquartered in Tamale, has donated 10,000 Ghana Cedis to the University for Development Studies (UDS) Students Financial Aid Scheme. This contribution was made in response to the university’s call for corporate bodies and development partners to support its financial aid initiatives.

The donation was handed over during a brief ceremony at the office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS). Madam Wedad Sayibu, Director of School for Life, emphasized that the donation aligns with their mission of ensuring that “the right to relevant quality education is fulfilled, leaving no one behind.” Accompanied by Mr. Ayuba Abukari, Head of Programs & Partnerships, she reiterated the organization's commitment to its social responsibility.

The Director of School for Life also appealed to the University Management and the Dean of Students' office to ensure that the beneficiaries of the aid are truly needy students, with a preference for female students in the selection process. Receiving the donation on behalf of the Management of UDS, Prof. Elliot Haruna Alhassan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, expressed his gratitude and assured that the funds would be used exclusively for the intended purpose.

On behalf of the student body, Miss Rukaya Husein, President of the Students Representative Council, thanked School for Life and assured that the student body would hold the Management accountable to ensure that the funds reach needy but brilliant students.

Dr. Umar Haruna, Vice-Dean of Students, echoed the commitment of the Vice-Dean of Students Affairs office to student welfare, emphasizing that the funds would be utilized to support deserving students.

Dr. Alhassan Musah, Dean of Students, outlined the selection criteria and mentioned that the process would employed technology to eliminate human bias. He stated that a database is being created to ensure targeted allocation of funds based on specific criteria, and donors can specify the categories of students they wish to support.

This donation marks a crucial step in supporting the education of needy students at the University for Development Studies and helping the university to fulfill its mandate as the leading provider of pro-poor academic scholarship in the northern part of the country.

Story By: Sumaila Mohammed