65 University of Abuja students have been given scholarships by the Hajiya Hadiza Mamman Vatsa Foundation.
Hajiya Hadiza Vatsa, the foundation’s founder and a renowned philanthropist, stated that the act was an essential part of her life’s work in service of God and humanity.
Among the beneficiaries were orphans and other members of the underprivileged classes who face financial difficulties in funding their education.
Students from various faculties at the university were granted this offer.
She said, “I have initiated this a long time ago but I decided to stay low-key, and sometimes I don‘t want people to recognise me or say that I‘m doing this or that. I believe that I‘m doing this for God. It is not how many billions or trillions you have, do you have the heart to give? That is what I have.’’
A cross section of guests at the event during an interview commended Ms Vasta for the gesture. They described her action as worthy of emulation.
Muktar Baje, the former majority leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, said Hadiza‘s foundation served as a shining light for others to follow.
He stated, “We should emulate good people like Hajiya Hadiza Mamman Vatsa. She has been doing this for so many years; she has passion for it. My advice to everyone out there that has the opportunity and the means is to emulate her.’’
Prof. Sharif Ibrahim, the head of the University of Abuja’s Department of Political Science and International Relations, described Ms. Hadiza’s assistance to the students as a welcome surprise and a rare present to the school.
He continued by saying that improving the lives of people by scholarship will, over time, have a great deal of positive consequences on society as a whole.
“Other students have also come to felicitate with the beneficiaries as well as learn from this particular humanitarian gesture so that they can also contribute to society as well as to the less-privileged. So, this is the major lesson learned on this particular occasion,’’ he said.
Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’ Allah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, expressed gratitude to the philanthropist for her unselfish contribution to humanity and dedication to the university in particular.
Mr. Na’Allah urged the recipients to take advantage of the offer.
He urged other well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropists to follow Ms. Vasta’s noble example, emphasising that the government cannot fund education on its own.
“I want the beneficiaries of this gesture to know that to whom much is given, much is expected. Be good students; demonstrate commitment to scholarship and character. If anybody tells you that the government is the only source for public education, that’s a lie,” he said.