The Management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has awarded a full scholarship to Miss Maryam Zakariyau, an HND 1 Marketing student with special needs who was on the verge of dropping out due to severe financial hardship.
The development was disclosed by the Rector of the institution, Abdul Mohammed, during a visit by representatives of students with special needs.
The intervention, which includes a living stipend, has been described as a life-changing gesture that restores her hope of completing her academic programme.
Speaking during the appreciation visit, Abdul revealed that the scholarship was part of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s initiative aimed at making life more bearable for people with special needs in the state.
He reaffirmed the polytechnic’s commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment, stating that the institution was determined to ensure that no student is denied access to education due to financial constraints.
The rector noted that Maryam’s case touched the management deeply, prompting the swift approval of the full scholarship, adding that in a further demonstration of the institution’s dedication to student welfare, he announced that Maryam would also receive a living stipend to cover her day-to-day expenses throughout her studies.
He assured all students with disabilities that the management would carefully consider their requests and continue to introduce additional welfare initiatives.
These efforts, the rector explained, are aimed at improving both the academic experience and overall well-being of special needs students on campus.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the beneficiary and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), Abdulazeez Muideen, a student of the polytechnic, expressed gratitude to the polytechnic for their compassionate and swift response to Maryam’s plight.
He described the scholarship as a life-changing intervention that has lifted a significant burden from the student and her family.
Muideen also appealed for further measures to support students with disabilities, including improved accessibility to campus buildings and enhanced educational support.
The representative further called on 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.
