The Nigeria Association of the Blind and BO Foundation for Inclusive Media have joined forces to empower seven female visually impaired undergraduates with comprehensive support, including laptops and scholarships covering their second-year tuition fees.
This initiative aims to bridge the gap in accessing quality education for visually impaired individuals. The beneficiaries, from the Universities of Lagos, Benin, and Ilorin, received laptops and financial support, enabling them to pursue their academic goals without hindrance.
Professor Bola Oboh, UNILAG’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, emphasized the university’s commitment to inclusivity, acknowledging the sponsors’ generosity and encouraging the recipients to excel academically.
Michael Fadeyi, a doctorate researcher and NAB member, highlighted the significance of assistive devices in accessing quality education, sharing his personal experience of utilizing a laptop to achieve his academic milestones.
He urged the beneficiaries to fully utilize the laptops with screen readers, expressing gratitude to the project’s supporters, Marlon and Anna Oliver, for their kindness.
“society will always ask more of us than the non-disabled even when it has not enabled us to thrive.
“In essence, we are seen as the problem rather than the society. This is even more compelling for you as a woman. In a society where women are believed to be inferior to men, women with disabilities are relegated to the runt of the litter. It is my hope that you will use your educational pursuit to change the narration for yourselves and those coming behind.”
Fadeyi called for the setting up of a standard policy on diversity and inclusion within the university, stating that such a policy “will do everyone a lot of good.”
Lukman Bolarinwa, Chairman of NAB Lagos, emphasized the need for a dedicated department at UNILAG to address the unique challenges faced by Persons With Disabilities.
Meanwhile, Blessing Oladunjoye, Executive Director of BOFIM, congratulated the beneficiaries and highlighted the initiative’s goal of bridging the gap in access to assistive devices for blind students.
She encouraged the recipients to utilize the laptops effectively, remain committed to their studies, and serve as role models for their peers.
Oladunjoye also announced that the tuition fees would be paid directly to the university and urged UNILAG’s management to establish a permanent framework for similar support, enabling other organizations to provide assistance to visually impaired students in the future.
