Some of the graduating students of the Kogi State University, Anyigba, have registered their outrage over the “ridiculous amounts of money” awarded by the state government to First Class and Best graduating students.
KSU authorities awarded N2000 cash prizes to students who bagged first class at their respective departments, while it awarded a sum of N5000 to overall best graduate of the institution.
One of the aggrieved first class graduating students shared his cheque with SaharaReporters on Monday with the United Bank for Africa slip showing a paltry sum of N2000 as reward for academic excellence by the university
The cheque was dated 26th January, 2022.
The money was given to the graduates during their recent convocation.
“This was at a recent convocation. N2000 was given to all first-class graduating students and N5000 to the overall best graduands,” the source said.
Some education experts have lamented that the paltry sums show that the political leaders do not value the academic prowess of youths, as they would rather lavish taxpayers’ money on frivolous and mundane activities.
It had been gathered from page 28 of the programme booklet that, “Faculty of the Social Sciences; Prof Onigu Otite Prize for the best graduating student in the Department of Sociology/Anthropology, Value (N1000), Onwuneme Victory A.
“Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation Prize to the best graduating student in Economics, Value (N1000), Okafor John Chimezie; Chief Enoch Ifediora Oil Prize to the best graduating student in the Department of Geography, Value (N1000) Ukata Nkemakonam; Sir Odumegwu Ojukwu memorial prize to the best final year student in the Faculty of Business Administration, Value (N1500) Nwankwo Esther.”
Some university workers drew comparisons between the university’s show of shame at its prize and award night and secular shows and awards such as Big Brother Naija, where the winner takes prizes worth millions of naira.
Credit: SaharaReporters