KWARAPOLY aids physically challenged student with scholarship, stipend

By Stephen Oladele

Management of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has come to the aid of a physically challenged student of the school with an award of a full scholarship to her..

The student, Maryam Omoyoyosi Zakariyau, described as HND I Marketing student is said to have received the award when she was about withdrawing from school due to financial constraints.

It was also disclosed that the management also granted the student a living stipend alongside the scholarship.

A statement by the Polytechnic said that rector of the institution, Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, disclosed the gesture during an appreciation visit by representatives of students with special needs.

The statement said that the rector during the visit revealed that the scholarship is part of initiative of the state governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, aimed at making life more bearable for people with special needs in the State. 

The rector, according to the statement, reaffirmed the Polytechnic’s commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment while stating that the institution is determined to ensure that no student is denied access to education due to financial constraints. 

Muhammed said that Maryam’s case touched the management deeply and that that prompted the swift approval of the full scholarship for her.

He explained that the living stipend is meant to cover her day-to-day expenses throughout her studies. 

The rector assured all students with disabilities that the management would carefully consider their requests and continue to introduce additional welfare initiatives.

These efforts, he explained, are aimed at improving both the academic experience and overall well-being of special needs students on campus.

The statement said that while speaking earlier on behalf of the beneficiary and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), Abdulazeez Muideen, a student of the polytechnic, expressed profound gratitude to the polytechnic management for its compassionate and swift response to Maryam’s plight. 

Muideen described the scholarship as a life-changing intervention that has lifted a significant burden from the student and her family.

He appealed for further measures to support students with disabilities, including improved accessibility to campus buildings and enhanced educational support.

Muideen urged the management to approve the establishment of a formal association for students with disabilities which would cater to their collective interests and provide a unified platform for advocacy.