The management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has awarded a full scholarship to Miss Maryam Zakariyau, an HND I Marketing student with special needs, after financial difficulties threatened her education.
The scholarship, which also includes a living stipend, was announced by the Rector of the institution, Abdul Mohammed, during a visit by representatives of students with disabilities.
According to the rector, the intervention is part of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s initiative to improve the welfare of persons with special needs in Kwara State and ensure that financial hardship does not prevent deserving students from completing their education.
He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to inclusive education, noting that the management remains focused on creating a supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of their physical condition.
Mohammed also assured students with disabilities that their concerns would continue to receive attention, with additional welfare initiatives and support measures being considered to improve their academic experience and overall well-being.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), Abdulazeez Muideen described the scholarship as a life-changing intervention that has renewed Maryam’s hope of completing her academic programme.
He also appealed to the institution to improve accessibility across the campus and approve the establishment of an association for students with disabilities to strengthen advocacy and promote their welfare.
