Five visually impaired female students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have received scholarships from two philanthropic organizations: the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) and the B.O. Foundation for Inclusive Media (BOFIM).
These scholarships cover the 200-level obligatory fees for all recipients and include a brand-new laptop for each student.
The awards were presented on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in the Senate Chamber of Senate House at UNILAG.
At the event, Barrister Lukman Bolarinwa, Chairman of NAB, and Blessing Oladunjoye, Executive Director of BOFIM, highlighted the importance of providing financial and technological support to visually impaired students to help them excel academically.
They praised UNILAG’s management for fostering an inclusive environment and called for an official Inclusion Policy Document to further protect and support students with special needs.
Public-spirited individuals and philanthropic organizations were encouraged to support students with special needs to enhance their educational experience and ensure their inclusion.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research, Professor Bola Oboh, commended the scholarship sponsors and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to inclusivity, reflected in its admission policies and campus facilities.
Professor Oboh urged the beneficiaries to use the scholarships as motivation to excel in their studies.
Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Musa Obalola, and former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Olufunlayo Bammeke, also expressed gratitude to the donors, noting that the scholarships complement the university’s efforts to promote inclusive education.
Additional speakers included Anna Oliver, wife of a scholarship donor, and alumni like Michael Fadeyi and Dr. Ifeolu Akintunde, who joined virtually. They emphasized their ongoing commitment to supporting students with special needs.
The event concluded with the presentation of laptops to the five UNILAG beneficiaries and two visually impaired female students from the University of Ilorin and the University of Benin.
The event concluded with the presentation of laptops to the five UNILAG beneficiaries and two visually impaired female students from the University of Ilorin and the University of Benin.
Speaking on behalf of all beneficiaries, 100-level UNILAG student Mojisola Adeleye thanked the donors, noting that the scholarships would ease their studies and boost their morale for greater academic achievements.