March 10, 2025 – Tamale Campus

In a profound demonstration of commitment to student welfare, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of the Tamale Campus has extended critical financial and material support to students in need. Through its flagship initiative, the Sungtaba Fund, the SRC has awarded scholarships, food items, and hostel grants to deserving students, offering them much-needed relief in their academic journey.

The donation, presented at the Office of the Vice Dean of Students, targeted students who had undergone a thorough screening process to ensure fairness and transparency in selection. The initiative, which has been sustained by successive SRC administrations, seeks to alleviate financial burdens associated with tuition fees, accommodation, and sustenance.

Speaking at the event, SRC President, Mr. Rahim Abubakari Mbanba, reaffirmed the essence of the Sungtaba Fund, emphasizing its role in easing the struggles of students. “We are fully aware of the challenges many of our colleagues face in paying school fees, securing accommodation, and even affording daily meals. This fund exists to bridge that gap and offer a helping hand where it is needed most,” he stated.

He further encouraged beneficiaries to make prudent use of the support provided, adding, “This initiative is a beacon of hope, and we urge all recipients to utilize it wisely to ensure they stay focused on their education.”

The Vice Dean of Students, Dr. Umar Haruna, acknowledged the collective efforts of the Dean of Students’ Office, the Counselling Unit, and the SRC in bringing the initiative to fruition. He revealed that during the 2024/2025 academic year, 195 students applied for assistance, out of which 112 were carefully selected.

“The selection process was rigorous to ensure the most deserving students benefited. The support was categorized into tuition fee assistance, provision of essential supplies, and a special category for hostel grants,” Dr. Haruna explained. He urged the beneficiaries to excel academically as a way of giving back to the initiative.

Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Alhassan Musah, lauded the SRC for not only continuing the initiative but also enhancing it to reach more students. “We understand the setbacks that students face in their academic pursuit. The continuity and improvement of this initiative demonstrate the SRC’s unwavering dedication to student welfare. We encourage them to sustain and expand it for future cohorts,” he remarked.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, Abdul Hakim Wumpini, a student from the Department of Nutritional Sciences, conveyed appreciation to the SRC and other collaborators. “This support means a lot to us, and we pledge to make the most of this opportunity by staying committed to our studies. We will not let the SRC down,” he assured.

The Sungtaba Fund continues to stand as a testament to the SRC’s enduring commitment to student welfare, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the academic aspirations of deserving students.

Story by: Hamdan W. Amadu
UDS Media