More students from the Savelugu Constituency are gaining access to tertiary education following the expansion of a locally funded student support scheme aimed at reducing financial barriers to schooling.
Under the latest phase of the initiative, over 80 students have received financial assistance amounting to GH₵129,000, to help cover tuition and other academic-related expenses.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Member of Parliament for Savelugu, Hajia Fatahiya Abdul-Aziz, said the programme is designed to ensure that no qualified student is denied education due to financial hardship.
She explained that the current disbursement builds on an earlier phase implemented about four months ago, during which 50 students benefited from similar support.
The MP noted that the initiative holds personal significance for her, recalling how she once benefited from similar assistance when her parents were unable to finance her education beyond senior high school.
“I am here today because of the support I received when I needed it most. That experience makes this programme very special to me,” she said.
Some beneficiaries described the intervention as timely and life-changing. A student at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Abubakari Alhassan, said the support has brought relief to many families.
“Paying fees has become extremely difficult, so this support means a lot to us and our families,” he noted.
The MP encouraged beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies and use the opportunity to transform their lives and contribute to the development of the constituency.
Beyond student support, Hajia Abdul-Aziz, who also serves as Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Gender Committee, extended her outreach to women in the constituency by organising a free breast screening exercise.
The initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting early detection of breast cancer, which she described as critical to improving women’s health outcomes.
“Women’s health is central to community development, and early detection saves lives,” she emphasized.
