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By Abubakar Umar
The Management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has awarded a full scholarship and living stipend to Miss Maryam Omotoyosi Zakariyau, an HND I Marketing student with special needs who was on the verge of withdrawing from her studies due to severe financial hardship.
The intervention, described as life-changing, is expected to enable the student to complete her academic programme without financial constraints while restoring her hope for a brighter future.
The Rector of the institution, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, disclosed this during an appreciation visit by representatives of students with special needs.
He explained that the scholarship forms part of the Kwara State Government’s efforts under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s inclusive welfare initiative aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities across the state.
According to the Rector, the Polytechnic remains committed to providing an inclusive learning environment where every qualified student, regardless of physical condition or financial status, has the opportunity to pursue higher education.
Engr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed said the Management was deeply moved by Maryam’s situation, prompting the immediate approval of a full scholarship.
He added that the institution also approved a living stipend to cater for her daily expenses throughout the duration of her studies.
He assured students with disabilities that their welfare would continue to receive priority attention, with additional support initiatives being considered to improve their academic experience and general well-being.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), a student of the Polytechnic, Abdulazeez Muideen, commended the Management for its compassionate and prompt intervention.
He described the scholarship as a major relief for Maryam and her family and urged the institution to improve accessibility to campus facilities and strengthen academic support for students with disabilities.
Muideen also appealed to the Polytechnic Management to approve the establishment of a formal association for students with disabilities, noting that such a body would provide a unified platform to promote their welfare, represent their interests, and advance advocacy for greater inclusion within the institution.
Editing: Abdullah Ahmed
