Five female visually impaired students of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, have received scholarship awards from two philanthropic Non-Governmental Organisations: Nigeria Association of the Blind, NAB and B.O. Foundation for Inclusive Media, BOFIM.
The scholarship awards cover the 200-level obligatory fees of all beneficiaries and a brand-new computer laptop for each. The presentation ceremony was held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in the Senate Chamber, Senate House, UNILAG.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of NAB, Barrister Lukman Bolarinwa and Executive Director of BOFIM, Blessing Oladunjoye explained that the gesture was inspired by the need to provide visually impaired students with financial and technological support to empower and encourage them to excel in their academic pursuits.
While applauding the management of UNILAG for ensuring an all-inclusive environment especially for students, the duo stressed the need for an official Inclusion Policy Document for students with special needs as a way of further guaranteeing their inclusion and protecting their interests in the University. They urged public-spirited individuals and philanthropic organizations to support the course of students with special needs, so as to boost their sense of belonging and avert their exclusion from education.
In her remarks, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics and Research, Professor Bola Oboh applauded the initiators and sponsors of the scholarship awards for their gesture towards students with special needs.
She re-affirmed the University management’s commitment to all students irrespective of their physical condition, one which she said manifests in the admission policy and the inclusive nature of buildings on campus, among other considerations.
Prof. Oboh charged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the scholarships awarded to them and see the gesture as a challenge to do better in their studies.
On his part, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Musa Obalola and former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Olufunlayo Bammeke appreciated the donors of the scholarship awards. They averred that the gesture complements the University’s efforts to promote inclusivity in the provision of tertiary education.
The wife of the scholarship award donor, Anna Oliver; and other facilitators including an alumnus of UNILAG Mass Communication and doctorate researcher at the University of Sussex, Mr Michael Fadeyi and Dr. Ifeolu Akintunde who spoke virtually at the event described the award as a token of their commitment towards assisting students with special needs as well as positioning them for a better student experience.
Responding on behalf of all beneficiaries, a 100-level UNILAG student, Mojisola Adeleye expressed gratitude to the donors, describing the gesture as one which will ease their studies and boost their morale for greater exploits in their academic pursuits.